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  • MIL-OSI USA: Bowman, Remarks on “Monetary Policy Transmission to Real Activity” and the Recent Experience

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you for the invitation to participate at this year’s U.S. Monetary Policy Forum conference. It is a pleasure to be here to discuss the conference report and present my views on the transmission of monetary policy to real activity in recent years.1 I would like to start by thanking the authors of the paper for their thoughtful and comprehensive analysis of the effects of monetary policy on economic activity. As you all may know, my background is in banking and bank regulation, so my experience with and interest in understanding the transmission and effects of monetary policy stems from my responsibilities as a Member of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).
    Turning to the discussion, I will begin with a few comments and suggestions on the paper and then focus on how monetary policy and other factors influenced U.S. economic performance during the tightening cycle that started in March 2022. I will then conclude with some thoughts on the relevance of the results in the paper for monetary policy going forward.
    Comments and Suggestions on “Monetary Policy Transmission to Real Activity”The paper’s stated purpose is to estimate how monetary policy shocks affect gross domestic product (GDP) and employment through the use of a range of models. The evidence is generally similar to previous studies, supporting the broader principle that monetary policy exerts its effects with long lags and has a limited contribution to changes in real activity when the shock is small and not very persistent. We should keep in mind, however, that many other shocks hit the economy and that at times it may be hard to see the effects of monetary policy actions estimated in the paper as they work through the actual economy.
    The paper notes that a 1 percentage point increase in the federal funds rate that retraces gradually, taking five to six quarters to reach half of its initial size, has persistent negative effects on GDP and employment. At maximum, this shock lowers GDP by 0.4 percent in about 18 months and employment by 0.3 percent in about two years, on average across the models considered in the paper. However, there is a wide range of estimated responses, as they depend on each model specification and the data used. The most sensitive components of GDP are residential investment, business fixed investment, and durable goods consumption, which is consistent with employment in the construction and durable goods manufacturing industries being highly interest-rate sensitive.
    The paper analyzes the transmission of monetary policy to real activity, but it would have been very interesting to go one step further and also see the effects of monetary policy on inflation. This is especially relevant because the FOMC has been focused on bringing inflation down to its 2 percent target over the past few years. Of course, higher interest rates lower inflation by dampening aggregate demand and real activity, thereby removing pressure on resource utilization, wages, and prices.
    The authors use several models to analyze the transmission of monetary policy. They use two well-known structural models created by Federal Reserve Board staff that have been used in Tealbook, the FRB/US and EDO models, in addition to two reduced-form VAR models, the New York Fed Bayesian VAR model and a simple four-variable proxy VAR model. It is reassuring that the estimated responses to a federal funds rate shock in the two models that I am most familiar with, the Board FRB/US and EDO models, seem consistent with previous findings.2
    One small issue is that neither of the VAR models directly includes the federal funds rate. The authors acknowledge this limitation in the analysis and address it by roughly estimating that a 100-basis points shock to the policy rate boosts the 1-year and 2‑year Treasury yields by 45 and 40 basis points, respectively. This approach may have resulted in the implied monetary policy shock in the two VAR models looking more persistent than in the two structural models. I would suggest the authors take another look at this aspect of their exercise, so that the contours of the monetary policy shocks look more similar across the different models.
    An alternative approach would have been to take the 1- and 2-year averages of the federal funds rate from the FRB/US and EDO impulse responses and possibly add a small term premium. This approach would have suggested larger effects of the federal funds rate shock on the 1- and 2-year Treasury yields than estimated by the authors. Another approach, especially in the proxy VAR setting, would have been to use a measure of the shadow federal funds rate, which provides a gauge of the overall monetary policy stance and is not constrained by the zero lower bound.3
    The paper focused on the effect of changes in the policy rate, but an important channel for the transmission of monetary policy is how it affects private interest rates that are relevant for households and businesses consumption and investment decisions. Private rates include interest rates charged on outstanding credit card balances, rates on auto and other durable goods loans, mortgage rates, and corporate bond yields. Although credit card rates move closely in line with the policy rate and include a time-varying spread that depends on the default risk profile of the borrower, longer-term private fixed rates on mortgages and corporate bonds depend on the expected path of the federal funds rate, the term premium embedded in longer-term Treasury yields, and risk spreads relative to Treasury securities of comparable maturity. Accordingly, monetary policy tools other than the policy rate, including forward guidance and the amount of securities holdings in the central bank’s balance sheet, are also important for the transmission of monetary policy since they can more forcefully affect the expected path of the federal funds rate, term premiums, and risk spreads.
    The authors analyze the contribution of major aggregate demand components to the overall effect of a monetary policy shock on GDP. One minor issue is that not all the models treat business investment equally. In particular, the EDO model includes inventory investment under business investment, while all other models do not appear to do so. This difference may contribute to the much larger initial reaction of business investment in the EDO model compared to the other models, as inventory investment reacts quickly to a shock in the federal funds rate.
    I would like to offer one last comment on the relatively small effect of monetary policy on real activity. Although I do not disagree with the authors’ assessment, I think that the estimated effects can cumulate to be quite sizable even for the transient unexpected shock considered. The FOMC quickly raised interest rates to fight surging inflation between March 2022 and July 2023 by a cumulative 5-1/4 percentage points. According to the average impulse responses, a shock of this magnitude would lead to declines of about 2 percent on the level of real GDP and 1.5 percent on the level of employment, which would translate into a similarly large increase in the unemployment rate if those who lost their jobs mostly remained in the labor force. This seems to suggest the potential for fairly large effects on real activity, especially when the monetary policy shock has more persistent effects on the policy rate and results in larger increases in term premiums and risk spreads.
    The Recent Tightening CycleThe FOMC started raising the federal funds rate in March 2022 to combat rising inflation. Although the initial rate hike was a mere 1/4 percentage point, the pace of tightening was faster over the remainder of the year, with an overall increase of more than 4 percentage points in the policy rate by the end of 2022. Rate hikes continued in smaller 1/4 percentage point steps the following year, adding to 1 additional percentage point increase by July 2023. As the authors note in the paper, the rapid pace of monetary policy tightening was somewhat surprising, especially as the FOMC was initially slow to react to signs that the rise in inflation during 2021 was not merely transitory and required more aggressive action.
    As financial conditions tightened rapidly and the yield curve inverted in 2022, fears of an impending recession started to rise, with Federal Reserve Board staff mentioning downside risks to real activity and that a mild recession seemed equally likely to the baseline Tealbook projection for sluggish economic growth over the next year.4 The staff eventually predicted a mild recession in the Tealbook forecast after the bank failures and banking system stress in the spring of 2023.5 Such recession was widely predicted and, in hindsight, it never materialized. As you well know, the yield curve inversion has not been the only predictor of recessions that has failed in recent years.
    On a Q4-over-Q4 basis, GDP growth slowed considerably in 2022 to a modest pace of only 1.3 percent. The components of GDP that exerted the most drag on growth that year were residential investment, goods consumption, and inventory investment, subtracting a total of 1‑1/2 percentage points from real GDP growth in 2022.
    Residential investment weakened rather quickly and fell more than 16 percent in 2022. The sharp decline in this category seems largely explained by higher mortgage rates, which surged more than 3 percentage points over the course of the year as the FOMC aggressively tightened monetary policy. In addition to higher interest rates, the 1-1/2 percent drop in goods consumption in 2022 likely reflected the imprint of higher inflation on real disposable income and the unwinding of previous fiscal stimulus.
    Somewhat at odds with the empirical results in the paper, business fixed investment continued to rise appreciably as special factors led to a delayed response to the rise in interest rates. A broader measure of business investment that includes inventories did show a slowdown in growth, but even this broad measure continued to rise appreciably in 2022. Business fixed investment was likely supported by construction of new microchip and battery plants, the continued boost to software investment following the switch to remote work, and a rebound in nonresidential structures and transportation equipment investment after their protracted decline over the pandemic.
    Payroll employment increased strongly in 2022 as labor force participation rose, the unemployment rate declined, and the labor market tightened considerably. Payroll employment moved back up to its pre-pandemic level and approached its trend as social distancing receded. The recovery dynamics in employment largely masked any effects from rising interest rates in 2022. The effect from higher interest rates on employment also tends to lag and be more persistent than the effect on GDP, so any effects likely showed up in 2023, an outcome that is consistent with the findings in the paper.
    Some Reasons Why the Economy OutperformedThe economy outperformed in 2023 as widespread predictions of an impending recession never materialized and instead growth picked up. From the point of view of the models in the paper, the stronger economy in 2023 also seems surprising, but this likely reflected other factors that influenced the economy and that are not accounted for in the model simulations.
    Despite significant tightening in broad financial conditions in 2023, GDP growth strengthened notably as fiscal policy turned from a drag into a meaningful boost to growth and potential output accelerated further due to increased immigration and strong productivity growth. These favorable supply developments allowed for stronger economic activity along with easing of inflationary pressures. Although growth surprised to the upside in 2023, labor market tightness eased with the unemployment rate edging up over the year and payroll employment growth slowing markedly.
    Faster GDP growth in 2023 was driven by a rebound in goods consumption, some recovery in residential investment, and stronger government spending. Goods consumption was boosted by strong gains in real compensation and personal income, including from declining inflation. Despite continued drag from higher mortgage rates, residential investment started recovering in 2023 as other factors supported demand. In particular, the labor market remained strong and household balance sheets were still healthy. The sharp rise in mortgage rates also created a lock‑in effect that increased demand for new housing and construction activity.
    The marked deceleration in employment in 2023 seems consistent with the longer lags in the response of employment to the rise in interest rates relative to that of GDP, especially as a significant portion of employment gains reflected increased labor supply from immigration, which allowed the labor market to come into better balance. Also consistent with the paper results, employment gains in the construction and durable goods manufacturing industries were more noticeably below their 2015-2019 trends than employment gains for the aggregate economy.
    As the authors argue, another reason why real activity was more resilient in the face of higher interest rates may have been the healthy balance sheets of households and businesses at the start of the tightening cycle. Households had accumulated excess savings during the pandemic, reflecting both increased fiscal stimulus and reduced consumption due to social distancing and supply bottlenecks.6 In fact, data from the Financial Accounts of the U.S. indicate that in the two years between the end of 2019 and the end of 2021, household bank deposits rose by nearly $4 trillion.7
    In addition, many households and nonfinancial businesses were able to refinance their mortgages and corporate bonds at very low rates during the pandemic. Although higher interest rates likely held back additional consumption expenditures and investment spending, they had less of an effect on households’ and nonfinancial businesses’ net cash flows as the average interest rates on household mortgages and business debt remained low.8
    With historically low borrowing costs during the pandemic era, mortgage originations and refinancing activity reached very high levels. As a result, the share of outstanding mortgages with an interest rate below 4 percent increased to nearly 70 percent by 2022 and it remains well above pre-pandemic levels today. Similarly, nonfinancial businesses issued record amounts of corporate bonds and extended the maturity of their debt to avoid new debt issuance earlier in the subsequent rate hiking cycle. Between 2020 and 2021, the fraction of triple-B corporate bonds maturing within three years fell to its lowest levels in nearly 20 years.
    Fiscal policy also reentered expansionary territory in 2023, with above-trend stimulus partly driven by strong state and local government spending. Although the unwinding of COVID-19 fiscal support continued in 2023, the federal budget deficit turned back up and rose to near 6 percent of GDP, while the primary deficit inched up towards 4 percent of GDP. These deficit levels are unusual for an expansion, especially as fiscal policy seems to have contributed to the degree of tightness in the economy.
    One way to describe the resiliency of real activity to higher interest rates during the recent tightening cycle is to say that some of the previously noted factors led to a rise in r-star. Higher population growth, from the influx of new immigrants, and higher productivity growth, arguably from the use of new technologies like artificial intelligence and the surge in new business formations, especially in high-tech industries, have likely boosted investment demand. In addition, the lack of significant fiscal consolidation has also increased demand for savings. An economy with stronger investment demand and very little household savings likely requires a higher equilibrium interest rate relative to pre-pandemic norms.
    Relevance of Results for Monetary Policy Going ForwardThe U.S. economy has been experiencing major shocks and structural changes since the pandemic, which may have influenced or masked the transmission of monetary policy to real activity. It is, therefore, not straightforward to see how the impulse responses shown in this paper have translated in practice. And, as the paper acknowledges, a large portion of the fluctuations in real activity are driven by shocks other than those to monetary policy. Although the FOMC has been focused on lowering inflation in the past few years, as we continue to make progress on approaching our 2 percent target, I expect that the labor market and economic activity will become a larger factor in the FOMC’s policy discussions. Accordingly, the stylized results on real activity effects in the paper will prove especially useful going forward.
    ConclusionI will conclude by saying that I enjoyed the paper, and that I appreciate the opportunity to be here to share my views on this topic. I look forward to the discussion and to hearing feedback from other participants and the perspective of my FOMC colleague and fellow discussant.
    ReferencesAladangady, Aditya, David Cho, Laura Feiveson, and Eugenio Pinto (2022). “Excess Savings during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” FEDS Notes. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, October 21.
    Brayton, Flint, Thomas Laubach, and David Reifschneider (2014). “The FRB/US Model: A Tool for Macroeconomic Policy Analysis,” FEDS Notes. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, April 3.
    Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2022). “Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, November 1-2, 2022,” press release, November 23, 2022.
    Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2023). “Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, March 21-22, 2023,” press release, April 12, 2023.
    Castro, Andrew, Michele Cavallo, and Rebecca Zarutskie (2022). “Understanding Bank Deposit Growth during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” FEDS Notes. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, June 6.
    Chung, Hess, Michael Kiley, and Jean-Philippe Laforte (2010). “Documentation of the Estimated, Dynamic, Optimization-based (EDO) Model of the U.S. Economy: 2010 Version (PDF),” Federal Reserve Board Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2010-29. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, May.
    Eichenbaum, Martin, Sergio Rebelo, and Arlene Wong (2022). “State-Dependent Effects of Monetary Policy: The Refinancing Channel,” American Economic Review, vol. 112 (March), pp. 721‑61.
    Fabiani, Andrea, Falasconi, Luigi, and Heineken, Janko (2024). “Monetary Policy and the Maturity Structure of Corporate Debt,” unpublished paper, available at SSRN: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3945615.
    Jungherr, Joachim, Matthias Meier, Timo Reinelt, and Immo Schott (2024). “Corporate Debt Maturity Matters for Monetary Policy,” International Finance Discussion Papers 1402. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, December 6.
    Wu, J. Cynthia and F. Dora Xia (2016). “Measuring the Macroeconomic Impact of Monetary Policy at the Zero Lower Bound,” Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking, vol. 48 (March-April), pp. 253-91, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmcb.12300.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. I would like to thank Eugenio Pinto and Michele Cavallo for their assistance in preparing these remarks. Return to text
    2. See Brayton et al. (2014) and Chung et al. (2010). Return to text
    3. The estimated measure of the shadow federal funds rate is based on the work by Wu and Xia (2016). Return to text
    4. See Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System FOMC Minutes (November 2022). Return to text
    5. See Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System FOMC Minutes (March 2023). Return to text
    6. See Aladangady et al. (2022). Return to text
    7. See Castro et al. (2022). Return to text
    8. The effectiveness of monetary policy can be substantially reduced both during a long period of low interest rates and for a long period after interest rates renormalize. See Eichenbaum et al. (2022) for the mortgage refinancing channel and Fabiani et al. (2024) and Jungherr et al. (2024) for the corporate debt maturity channel. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: La Oficina del FBI en Denver Advierte Sobre Estafas al Usar Los Conversores de Archivos en Línea

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    La Oficina del FBI en Denver ha emitido una advertencia alertando sobre un aumento en las estafas relacionadas con herramientas en línea gratuitas para convertir documentos. Se insta a las víctimas a reportar cualquier caso relacionado con dichas estafas.

    En este tipo de esquemas, los delincuentes aprovechan las herramientas gratuitas de conversión de documentos en línea para cargar malware o ransomware en las computadoras de las víctimas.

    “Como parte de nuestros esfuerzos continuos para combatir el fraude, creemos que la forma más efectiva de detener a estos delincuentes es mediante la educación”, señaló Mark Michalek, agente especial a cargo de la Oficina del FBI en Denver. “Al promover la concienciación, podemos evitar que las personas caigan en estas trampas. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido afectado, le recomendamos que lo reporte de inmediato y tome las medidas necesarias para proteger sus activos. Todos los días trabajamos para responsabilizar a los estafadores y proporcionar a las víctimas el apoyo y los recursos necesarios.”

    Para llevar a cabo este esquema, los ciberdelincuentes de todo el mundo están aprovechando diversas herramientas gratuitas de conversión o descarga de documentos. Estas incluyen sitios web que prometen convertir archivos de un formato a otro, como transformar un archivo .doc en .pdf, o servicios que permiten combinar archivos, como unir varios .jpg en un solo .pdf. Además, los programas sospechosos pueden presentarse como herramientas para descargar archivos MP3 o MP4.

    Estos conversores y herramientas de descarga cumplen con lo que prometen, pero el archivo resultante contiene malware oculto que permite a los delincuentes acceder a la computadora de la víctima. Además, estas herramientas pueden recopilar los archivos enviados para extraer:

    • Información personal identificable, como números de seguro social, fechas de nacimiento, números de teléfono, entre otros.
    • Información bancaria.
    • Datos relacionados con criptomonedas (frases semilla, direcciones de billeteras, etc.).
    • Direcciones de correo electrónico.
    • Contraseñas.

    Desafortunadamente, muchas víctimas no se dan cuenta de que sus computadoras han sido infectadas con malware hasta que ya es demasiado tarde y su dispositivo ha sido comprometido con ransomware o su identidad ha sido robada.

    La Oficina del FBI en Denver exhorta a las víctimas, o a aquellos que hayan sido blanco de intentos de estafa, a denunciarlo en el Centro de Quejas de Crímenes en Internet del FBI en www.ic3.gov.

    Asimismo, recomienda seguir las siguientes precauciones para evitar caer en esta estafa:

    • Respire profundamente, tómese su tiempo y piense. Sea consciente de sus acciones en línea y los riesgos a los que podría estar expuesto.
    • Mantenga su software antivirus actualizado y escanee cualquier archivo que reciba antes de abrirlo para evitar la instalación de software malicioso en su computadora.
    •  

    Si es víctima de esta estafa, siga estos pasos:

    • Póngase en contacto con sus instituciones financieras de inmediato. Tome medidas para proteger su identidad y sus cuentas.
    • Cambie todas sus contraseñas utilizando un dispositivo limpio y confiable.
    • Reporte el incidente en IC3.

    Ejecute un escaneo con software antivirus actualizado para verificar si hay algún software malicioso instalado por los estafadores. Considere la posibilidad de llevar su computadora a un profesional para que la limpie.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Group convicted of being part of Russian spying operation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A group of six Bulgarians living in the UK have been convicted of being part of a spying operation across Europe on behalf of Russia.

    Following a three-month trial at the Old Bailey, two women and a man were found guilty of conspiring to obtain information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to Russia.

    Three other men pleaded guilty to Official Secrets Act charges before the trial started.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These convictions have been achieved as the result of an extremely complex investigation into a group that was carrying out sophisticated surveillance operations in the UK, and in Europe, on behalf of the Russian state.

    “This case is a clear example of the increasing amount of state threat casework we are dealing with in the UK – particularly linked to Russia. It also highlights a relatively new phenomenon whereby espionage is being ‘outsourced’ by certain states.

    “While the outsourcing of espionage activity might suggest that recent efforts by the UK to thwart direct Russian activity have been effective, it means that we also have to guard against this new kind of emerging threat.

    “But regardless of the form the threat takes, this investigation shows that we will take action to identify and disrupt any such activity that puts UK national security and the safety of the public at risk.”

    The court heard that detectives from the Met’s Counter terrorism Command sifted through more than 200,000 messages and seized hundreds of items after a co-ordinated series of raids and arrests were carried out on 8 February 2023.

    In particular, a 33-room former hotel belonging to Orlin Roussev was found to contain items, including sophisticated spying equipment such as listening devices, concealed cameras and a fake ID card printer.

    Through their investigation, detectives identified that Roussev, who was leading the group, was in direct contact with Jan Marsalek – an Austrian national who, in turn, was identified as working with the Russian intelligence services.

    The investigation team identified six core spying ‘plots’ the group were involved in. This included activity that targeted two investigative journalists who were seen as reporting stories contrary to the interests of the Russian state.

    A former senior Kazakh politician who lived in the UK was also targeted, and the group planned to stage protests at the Kazakhstan embassy in London. Both operations were part of an elaborate plan to help the Russia state gain favour with Kazakhstan.

    The group also carried out surveillance at a US military site in Germany, where they believed Ukrainian soldiers were being trained.

    Another man who was designated as a ‘foreign agent’ by Russia was also targeted by the group during surveillance operations in Montenegro.

    Sifting through thousands of messages, and then matching this up with physical travel, financial statements and surveillance reports and footage, meant detectives were able to build up a compelling picture of the group’s activity, as well as identify those involved and their roles within the group.

    The six members of the group were:

    – Orlin Roussev, 46 (06.02.1978) of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
    – Bizer Maksimov Dzhambazov, 43 (21.04.1981), of Harrow, north London
    – Katrin Nikolayeva Ivanova, 33 (01.07.1991) of Harrow, north London
    – Ivan Iliev Stoyanov, 33 (22.12.1991) of Greenford, west London
    – Vanya Nikolaveva Gaberova, 30 (10.08.1994) of Euston, north London.

    – Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39 (31.07.85) of Acton, west London

    Officers found that Roussev was directing the group’s activity, and was receiving tasks through his contact with Marsalak. Dzambaszov was effectively the second in command.

    The other four were all found to be involved in the execution of various espionage and surveillance activities across the UK and Europe in relation to the six plots identified by detectives.

    Ivanova, Gaberova and Ivanchev were all found guilty of conspiracy to spy, contrary to Section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 after a three-month trial at the Old Bailey

    Roussev and Dzhambazov pleaded guilty before the trial started to conspiracy to spy, contrary to Section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

    Stoyanov pleaded guilty before the trial to spying, contrary to section 1(1)(c) of the Official Secrets Act 1911.

    The group will be sentenced at the Old Bailey in May.

    All material from the trial is available to download here https://mps.box.com/s/z3jt1xiy…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First £752 million tranche of loan sent to Ukraine for military equipment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    First £752 million tranche of loan sent to Ukraine for military equipment

    The first £752 million tranche of the UK’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan to Ukraine has been transferred in demonstration of the UK’s commitment to Ukrainian defence.

    • UK has sent first third of its £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine for the country to spend on military equipment in its hour of need

    • Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited RAF Northolt to meet with UK suppliers sending equipment to Ukraine

    • Delivery of the UK’s contribution to the G7 $50 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loan is the latest step in support for Ukraine from the UK government, with national security key to the Plan for Change

    The ERA funding is on top of the £3 billion a year commitment by the UK to provide military aid for Ukraine. The Prime Minister has been clear that a strong Ukraine is vital to UK national security.

    The money transferred yesterday Thursday 6 March, is part of a £2.26 billion loan backed by the profits of immobilised Russian sovereign assets, and will help Ukraine buy military equipment to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked aggression.

    It follows the Prime Minister’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament as economic and fiscal conditions allow, and announcing an additional £1.6 billion of UK Export Finance to Ukraine. National security is fundamental to the government’s Plan for Change, and will help improve the lives of people across the UK by growing the economy.

    To mark this signal of UK support, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, visited RAF Northolt to meet Armed Forces personnel. She also met suppliers sending vital equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine through UK MoD rapid procurement contracts.

    Companies at RAF Northolt yesterday included Malloy, MBDA and Thales, as well as UK-based SMEs including Greenjets, Kirintec and Windracers – displaying a range of defence equipment such as air defence missiles, bomb disposal suits and cargo drones.

    Increased defence spending will support highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the UK. Last year, defence spending supported over 430,000 UK jobs the equivalent to one in every 60, with 68% of defence spending going outside of London and the Southeast, benefitting every nation and region of the country.

    Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

    “Now more than ever in this changed world, Ukraine needs our support as a reliable partner to secure peace following Russia’s unprovoked invasion.

    “British excellence and innovation in defence was on display as I visited RAF Northolt yesterday. Our contribution to the war effort via increased defence spending is also supporting UK industries and jobs and putting money back in the pockets of hardworking British people.”

    The multibillion-pound funding is the UK’s contribution to the G7 ERA Loans to Ukraine Scheme, through which G7 countries will collectively provide $50 billion to support Ukraine. The UK’s contribution is earmarked for military procurement to bolster Ukraine’s defences, and is being delivered in three £752 million payments. A tranched approach will allow for greater flexibility in military procurement, and will provide the best value for money for both the UK and Ukraine.

    Chancellor Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko signed the UK-Ukraine bilateral loan agreement on Saturday in the presence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in No.11 Downing Street.

    Last week, the Chancellor alongside the Business Secretary and the Defence Secretary confirmed that a new UK defence innovation organisation will work with innovative firms to rapidly get cutting-edge military technology into the hands of British troops, and harness the ingenuity of the UK’s leading tech and manufacturing sectors.

    The Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy also signed a historic 100 Year Partnership in Kyiv earlier this year. The landmark treaty formalised the unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine, broadening and deepening the relationship across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer community links.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of social homes treated for hazardous damp and mould

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Thousands of families faced with a potential health hazard from living in mouldy homes are breathing easier following a £15m programme to upgrade some of the region’s dampest social housing.

    The money, given to local councils by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has been used to install damp busting measures in more than 4,400 homes across the region.

    Around 8,000 individual improvements have been carried out with some homes also getting high-quality insulation and ineffective, high carbon heating systems replaced with modern electric ones. Leaky roofs, windows and doors have also been fixed.

    The Social Housing Decency Fund programme is now nearing completion ahead of the Government’s introduction of Awaab’s Law in October. This will require social housing landlords to investigate and fix black mould and damp within strict timelines.

    The new law is named after three-year-old Awaab Ishak who died from mould exposure in his Rochdale home in 2020.

    Ruqia Ali and her two-month-old baby boy Zakariya are among the 10,000 people to benefit from the programme.

    She lives with husband Abdikadir and their two other children, six-year-old son Zayd and daughter Sara, aged three, in a council house in Bordesley Green, Birmingham.

    The family had several measures installed at their Victorian-built, two up, two down terraced house including roof space ventilation and specialist kitchen and bathroom fans.

    Mrs Ali said: “The condensation in the house was really bad before. It was aggravating my asthma and making me feel worse. We had damp on the walls and mould coming up from the skirting boards in the bedrooms.

    “But we’ve had no damp since the work was done and the house is now really comfortable. I feel much better and I don’t have to worry any more about how it’s affecting our health. It’s made a big difference.”

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, joined Cllr Jayne Francis, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for housing and homelessness, to see how the work has made Mrs Ali’s home safer and healthier.

    The Mayor has made the construction of thousands of safe and warm new social homes a key priority to help tackle the region’s housing crisis. But he is also working with councils and housing associations on ways to upgrade the region’s existing social housing stock, bringing it up to modern standards.

    The Mayor said: “It can’t be right that in 2025, in one of the world’s richest countries, there are thousands of children living in cold, damp and mouldy homes.

    “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak is a stark reminder of the dangers of mould, especially for young children. Unfortunately, too many people have to live in old, substandard homes because of the region’s housing crisis. That’s why my priority is to build thousands of new social and affordable homes.

    “But we must also upgrade the social housing we already have. We’ve made a start but we need to do more because this is not just about improving homes – it’s about improving and even saving lives.”

    According to the most recent English Housing Survey it is thought there are as many as 90,000 homes in the West Midlands that fail to meet decency standards.

    Around 60,000 of these are privately rented and 30,000 are social homes for rent, owned by councils or housing associations. The survey estimated that the investment required to make all of these properties decent would be around £600m.

    The Social Housing Decency Fund improvements on Mrs Ali’s home were carried out alongside wider work being done by Birmingham City Council which is investing £1.6bn into its council houses over the next seven years.

    The council’s investment program began in April 2024 and just over £240m was invested last year, with a similar amount set to be invested again this year.

    Cllr Francis said: “The investment we are making into our council homes is the largest in the country and will ensure all our residents will be able to live in warm, safe, sustainable homes.

    “Many tenants will soon see significant improvements in their accommodation, including new kitchens and bathrooms, but they will also see energy bills cut and homes made warmer, helping to reduce the danger of damp and mould.

    “We will continue to work closely with partners like the WMCA to improve and build social homes, and I’d like to thank our contractors EQUANS for carrying out the works on Mrs Ali’s home.”

    Last year the WMCA commissioned the housing research team at the Centre for the New Midlands to undertake a wide-ranging evaluation of the problem of damp.

    It found that many tenants still faced life-threatening health risks from long-term exposure to dangerous levels of damp and mould and that it was commonplace for tenants to live with the hazard for four years or more. Consequently, many tenants reported feelings of helplessness and a range of mental and physical health issues.

    The report consequently called for a new funding model for social and council housing so damp and mould issues could be better tackled.

    Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton councils were among the lead contributors to another recent report calling for reform of council housing finance Securing the Future of Council Housing – Interim Report.pdf

    In January this year the Mayor announced a new initiative to improve living standards and tackle fuel poverty in thousands of low-income households.

    Up to 10,000 of the region’s oldest and coldest social and privately-owned homes will be upgraded to make them warmer and cheaper to run thanks to a £167 million energy efficiency fund.

    The funding will bring thousands of homes up to modern energy efficiency standards with new insulation, doors, windows, solar panels, and state-of-the-art greener and smarter heating systems.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message on the occasion of International Women’s Day [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations

    Download the video:  https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+Women+Day+8+Mar+25/MSG+SG+INTL+WOMEN+DAY+21+FEB+25.mp4

    When the doors of equal opportunity are open for women and girls, everyone wins.

    Equal societies are more prosperous and peaceful – and the foundation of sustainable development.

    On this International Women’s Day, we recognize thirty years of progress and achievement since the landmark United Nations conference in Beijing.

    This transformed the rights of women – and reaffirmed those rights as human rights.

    Since then, women and girls have shattered barriers, defied stereotypes, and demanded their rightful place.

    But we must be clear-eyed about the challenge.

    From pushback to rollback, women’s human rights are under attack.

    Age-old horrors – violence, discrimination and economic inequality – still plague societies.

    And newer threats such as biased algorithms are programming inequalities into online spaces, opening-up new arenas of harassment and abuse.  

    Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we’re seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny.

    We must fight these outrages.

    And keep working to level the playing field for women and girls.

    We need action to unlock finance so countries can invest in equality – and to prioritize those investments.

    Action to open-up equal opportunities for decent work, close the gender pay gap, and tackle challenges around care work.
     
    Action to strengthen and implement laws to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

    Action to secure women’s full participation in decision-making, including in peacebuilding.
     
    And action to remove the obstacles to women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

    The United Nations Pact for the Future, and the Global Digital Compact offer blueprints to guide these actions.

    When women and girls can rise, we all thrive.

    Together, let’s stand firm in making rights, equality and empowerment a reality for all women and girls, for everyone, everywhere.
     
    ***

    Lorsque les portes de l’égalité des chances sont ouvertes aux femmes et aux filles, tout le monde y gagne.

    Les sociétés égalitaires sont plus prospères et plus pacifiques, et constituent le fondement du développement durable.

    En cette Journée internationale des femmes, nous célébrons trente ans d’avancées et de progrès réalisés depuis la conférence historique des Nations Unies organisée à Beijing.

    Celle-ci a transformé les droits des femmes et permis de réaffirmer qu’ils étaient des droits humains.

    Depuis, les femmes et les filles ont renversé les barrières, brisé les stéréotypes et revendiqué la place qui leur revient.

    Mais nous devons être lucides sur les défis à relever.

    Bafoués ou restreints, les droits humains des femmes sont menacés.

    Des atrocités séculaires – la violence, la discrimination et les inégalités économiques – continuent d’accabler les sociétés.

    De nouvelles menaces, comme les algorithmes qui véhiculent les stéréotypes, créent des inégalités dans les espaces en ligne, ouvrant la voie à de nouvelles formes de harcèlement et d’abus.

    Au lieu d’observer une généralisation de l’égalité des droits, nous assistons à la banalisation de la misogynie.

    Nous devons combattre ces outrages.

    Et continuer d’œuvrer pour que les femmes et les filles disposent des mêmes chances que les hommes et les garçons.

    Nous devons agir pour débloquer des financements afin que les pays puissent investir dans l’égalité – et pour faire de ces investissements une priorité.

    Agir pour assurer l’égalité d’accès à des emplois décents, pour combler l’écart de rémunération entre les femmes et les hommes et pour résoudre les difficultés liées au travail domestique.

    Agir pour renforcer et appliquer les lois visant à mettre fin à toutes les formes de violence contre les femmes et les filles.

    Agir pour garantir la pleine participation des femmes à la prise de décision, notamment dans le domaine de la consolidation de la paix.

    Et agir pour éliminer les barrières qui empêchent les femmes et les filles d’accéder aux filières des sciences, de la technologie, de l’ingénierie et des mathématiques.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir et le Pacte numérique mondial donnent des orientations qui doivent guider ces actions.

    L’épanouissement des femmes et des filles profite à tout le monde.

    Ensemble, prenons des initiatives fortes pour faire de l’égalité une réalité pour toutes les femmes et toutes les filles, pour garantir leurs droits et pour leur donner des moyens d’action, dans l’intérêt général, partout.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Garantex Cryptocurrency Exchange Disrupted in International Operation

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Note: View the indictment here.

    Two Administrators Charged with Operating Multibillion-Dollar Crypto Money Laundering Service

    The Justice Department announced today a coordinated action with Germany and Finland to disrupt and take down the online infrastructure used to operate Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange that allegedly facilitated money laundering by transnational criminal organizations — including terrorist organizations — and sanctions violations. Since April 2019, Garantex has processed at least $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions.

    Garantex Splash Page

    In conjunction with the operation targeting Garantex, the Department also announced the unsealing of an indictment in the Eastern District of Virginia against Aleksej Besciokov, 46, a Lithuanian national and Russian resident, and Aleksandr Mira Serda (previously Aleksandr Ntifo-Siaw), 40, a Russian national and United Arab Emirates resident. Mira Serda and Besciokov are charged with money laundering conspiracy, and Besciokov is charged with conspiracy to violate sanctions and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.

    According to court documents, between 2019 and 2025, Besciokov and Mira Serda controlled and operated Garantex. Besciokov was Garantex’s primary technical administrator and responsible for obtaining and maintaining critical Garantex infrastructure, as well as reviewing and approving transactions. Mira Serda was Garantex’s co-founder and chief commercial officer.

    Garantex received hundreds of millions in criminal proceeds and was used to facilitate various crimes, including hacking, ransomware, terrorism, and drug trafficking, often with substantial impact to U.S. victims. According to the indictment, Besciokov and Mira Serda knew that criminal proceeds were being laundered through Garantex and took steps to conceal the facilitation of illegal activities on its platform. For example, when Russian law enforcement sought records relating to an account registered to Mira Serda, Garantex provided incomplete information in response and falsely claimed the account was not verified. In reality, Garantex had associated the account with Mira Serda’s personal identifying documents, even while disclosing identifying information related to other accounts requested by Russian law enforcement.

    On April 5, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Garantex for its role in facilitating money laundering of funds from ransomware actors and darknet markets. According to court documents, despite the widespread publicity of the sanctions and Garantex administrator’s personal knowledge of them, Besciokov and his co-conspirators violated those sanctions by continuing to transact with U.S.-based entities. Further, Besciokov and his co-conspirators redesigned Garantex’s operations to evade and violate U.S. sanctions and induce U.S. businesses to unwittingly transact with Garantex in violation of the sanctions. For example, Garantex moved its operational cryptocurrency wallets to different virtual currency addresses on a daily basis in order to make it difficult for U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchanges to identify and block transactions with Garantex accounts.

    Despite doing substantial business in the United States and operating as a money transmitting business, Garantex failed to register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as required.

    On March 6, U.S. law enforcement, led by the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), executed a seizure order authorized by a judge in the Eastern District of Virginia against three website domain names used to support Garantex’s operations. According to court records unsealed today, Garantex.org, Garantex.io, and Garantex.academy were associated with the administration and operation of Garantex. The seizure of these domains will prevent these sites from being used for money laundering and additional crimes. Individuals visiting those sites now will see a message indicating that the site has been seized by law enforcement.

    As part of the coordinated actions, German and Finnish law enforcement seized servers hosting Garantex’s operations. U.S. law authorities have separately obtained earlier copies of Garantex’s servers, including customer and accounting databases. In addition, U.S. law enforcement has also frozen over $26 million in funds used to facilitate Garantex’s money laundering activities.

    Besciokov and Mira Serda are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Besciokov is also charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and with conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.    

    Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Michael Centrella of the USSS’ Office of Field Operations, and Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division made the announcement.

    USSS and the FBI are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance.

    The Justice Department also recognizes the critical cooperation of the German Federal Criminal Police Office, the Frankfurt General Prosecutor’s Office, the Dutch National Police, Europol, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, and the Estonian National Criminal Police.

    Finally, the Department thanks Tether and blockchain analytics firm Elliptic for their proactive assistance in this investigation.

    Any individual who believes he/she is a victim whose funds were laundered through Garantex or who may otherwise have a claim to restrained funds should reach out to law enforcement via email address GarantexClaimants@secretservice.gov.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Delegation Oppose Plans to Use Kirtland & Fort Bliss for Immigration-Related Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth opposing the Trump administration’s reported plans to use military installations, including Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) and Fort Bliss, to create a nationwide network of military detention facilities.
    “Using our military installations for these purposes threatens to divert DoD’s resources away from unit readiness and our national security enterprise,” which the lawmakers noted, “is a direct contradiction to [the Trump] administration’s statement earlier this year that one of [its] top priorities is to ‘have a ready, able, and lethal military.’”
    The delegation reinforced the importance of prioritizing Kirtland’s existing defense missions: “KAFB hosts numerous missions that forward deploy into the most austere environments globally and houses facilities that lead the development of emerging capabilities and technologies for the DoD and our allies. Further, KAFB is home to Sandia National Laboratories, which is integral to the maintenance and modernization of our nuclear stockpile and develops technologies that support energy resilience for civilian and military applications. KAFB also houses the Air Force Materiel Command’s Nuclear Weapons Center (NWC), which is responsible for acquisition, modernization and sustainment of nuclear system programs for both the Department of Defense and Department of Energy.” 
    The delegation continued, stating: “Due to the sensitive nature of the facilities and missions on KAFB, housing families and children there would be highly reckless and pose significant security risks. Instead of using DoD resources in this manner, the administration should focus on border security initiatives that curb illicit activity and fentanyl trafficking.” 
    The delegation also called out the administration’s “callous indifference” and “entirely unacceptable” effort to “leverage legal loopholes to bypass state oversight of the well-being of detained undocumented children:” “Detaining children on military installations goes against the principal purpose of the Flores Settlement Agreement and blatantly disregards New Mexico’s Children’s Code, which helps to ensure the welfare and safety of all children in the state. For over 20 years, federal law has recognized the particular and enduring vulnerability of holding children in custody. New Mexico Code Chapter 32A also governs the detention of children and includes specific provisions for when a child can be detained, the protections available to detained children, and the procedures for detention hearings.” 
    “This administration’s ‘solution’ to militarize immigration enforcement is abhorrent and inappropriately and unnecessarily creates a national security risk. We urge you to consider the consequences of these potential actions” the delegation concluded. 
    The full text of the letter is here and below:
    Dear President Trump and Secretary Hegseth,
    We write to express our opposition to the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to use installations, including Fort Bliss and Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) in New Mexico, for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration-related operations.
    Using our military installations for these purposes threatens to divert DoD’s resources away from unit readiness and our national security enterprise.  This is a direct contradiction to your Administration’s statement earlier this year that one of your top priorities is to “have a ready, able, and lethal military.” KAFB hosts numerous missions that forward deploy into the most austere environments globally and houses facilities that lead the development of emerging capabilities and technologies for the DoD and our allies. Further, KAFB is home to Sandia National Laboratories, which is integral to the maintenance and modernization of our nuclear stockpile and develops technologies that support energy resilience for civilian and military applications. KAFB also houses the Air Force Materiel Command’s Nuclear Weapons Center (NWC), which is responsible for acquisition, modernization and sustainment of nuclear system programs for both the Department of Defense and Department of Energy.
    Due to the sensitive nature of the facilities and missions on KAFB, housing families and children there would be highly reckless and pose significant security risks. Instead of using DoD resources in this manner, the administration should focus on border security initiatives that curb illicit activity and fentanyl trafficking. 
    Furthermore, detaining children on military installations goes against the principal purpose of the Flores Settlement Agreement and blatantly disregards New Mexico’s Children’s Code, which helps to ensure the welfare and safety of all children in the state. For over 20 years, federal law has recognized the particular and enduring vulnerability of holding children in custody. New Mexico Code Chapter 32A also governs the detention of children and includes specific provisions for when a child can be detained, the protections available to detained children, and the procedures for detention hearings.
    Leveraging legal loopholes to bypass state oversight of the well-being of detained undocumented children, who are often fleeing violence in their home countries, is entirely unacceptable. The administration’s callous indifference toward federal and state law is especially concerning, given that the last time migrant children were detained at Fort Bliss staff described the facility as “filthy, overly loud, and prone to flooding and dust storms.”
    This Administration’s “solution” to militarize immigration enforcement is abhorrent and inappropriately and unnecessarily creates a national security risk. We urge you to consider the consequences of these potential actions.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Changes in the Supervisory Board and Management Board of subsidiary

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The membership of the Supervisory Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar subsidiary Elenger Polska Sp. z o.o. is changing. As of 07.03.2025, Vaiko Tammeväli was called back from Supervisory Board based on a resolution of the sole shareholder of Elenger Polska Sp. z o.o. The Supervisory Board of Elenger Polska Sp. z o.o. will continue with five members.
    Additionally, the Supervisory Board has decided to appoint Paweł Szaniewski as a Management Board member. After these changes, the Management Board will continue with three members.
    The short description of the previous professional experience Vaiko Tammeväli and Paweł Szaniewski and the amount of shares in Infortar are attached to this notice.

    Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,228 people.

    Additional information:
    Kadri Laanvee
    Investor Relations Manager
    Phone: +372 5156662
    e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee
    www.infortar.ee/en/investor
     
     

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ESET Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship, Expands 2025 Canadian Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced the anniversary of its Women in Cybersecurity North American Scholarship, launched in 2016 to support and empower women pursuing careers in cybersecurity. As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering diverse talent, ESET is expanding the program in Canada, increasing both the number and value of scholarships available to Canadian applicants.

    For a decade, ESET North America has encouraged and uplifted women to pursue careers in cybersecurity, offering financial assistance to help achieve their aspirations. In solidarity with the 2025 International Women’s Day’s #AccelerateAction theme, the Women in Cybersecurity North American Scholarship program is expanding its scope this year with additional awards, enhanced evaluation criteria and a renewed focus on recognizing both technical excellence and emerging potential.

    As a long-time advocate for cybersecurity and talent development in Canada, ESET has built strong relationships with key technology hubs, including the city of Markham. Over the years, ESET has received a wealth of strong candidates from Markham and the Greater Toronto Area, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a growing center for cybersecurity innovation. By investing in opportunities for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, ESET aims to support both local talent and the broader cybersecurity workforce.

    Pioneering one of the first scholarships of its kind, Celeste Blodgett, Vice President of Human Resources at ESET North America, originated the program at the North American headquarters in San Diego to support women who want to go into technology fields. Bolstered by Celeste’s passion, the program has since awarded scholarships to more than 25 recipients in the U.S. and Canada, and has expanded globally to Australia, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

    “Around the world, ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship recipients are showcasing a passion for protecting digital citizens, yet with women only accounting for less than one-fifth of the cybersecurity workforce there is much work to be done,” said Blodgett. “We’ve encountered so many remarkable women who are passionate about shaping the future of this field and are thrilled to celebrate our tenth anniversary by earmarking one additional Cybersecurity Trailblazer award in the U.S. and five additional Future Leader awards in Canada.”

    According to the 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study conducted by (ISC)², women account for only 14.4% of the cybersecurity workforce, while men make up 79.6%. This stark imbalance underscores the critical need to bring more women into the profession, particularly as emerging technologies like generative AI continue to evolve. ESET is committed to fostering opportunities for women to lead in cybersecurity and AI, helping to bridge this gap and build a more balanced, innovative and equitable future. Diversity in AI development is essential to ensure these tools are ethical, secure and inclusive.

    In 2025, ESET North America will award $45,000 in scholarships to support the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Canadian students will have access to new and expanded awards, including two $5,000 Cybersecurity Trailblazer awards for applicants who demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency and a strong focus on cybersecurity. To mark the tenth anniversary, five new $1,000 Future Leader Awards will be introduced in Canada to recognize emerging talent with great potential in cybersecurity. In the U.S., three $10,000 scholarships will be awarded in the Cybersecurity Trailblazer Award Tier, including one dedicated to a recipient in San Diego, honouring the program’s origins.

    The scholarship has already helped many women pursue careers in cybersecurity, including Anushka Khare, a Canadian recipient of the 2022 ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship who is now a Security Program Manager at Microsoft. “This scholarship has greatly supported my career and academic journey by providing me the financial freedom to focus on my studies,” shared Khare. “It has also allowed me to pursue advanced courses in cybersecurity, attend relevant workshops and gain hands-on experience. This support has not only enhanced my technical skills, but has also boosted my confidence, knowing I have the backing to succeed in this competitive field.”

    DETAILS AND HOW TO APPLY
    Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 round, and submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT on April 8, 2025. Applicants can learn more about the scholarships and submit their application by visiting our dedicated web pages. If you’re a Canadian student, apply here; if you’re a US student, you can apply here.

    Questions? Email us at CA-scholarship@eset.com [Canada-only inquiries] or US-scholarship@eset.com [US-only inquiries] with any questions.

    About ESET
    ESET provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyber threats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud or mobile protection, its AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multi-factor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

    Media contact:
    Emily Zwart
    ezwart@enterprisecanada.com
    905.515.9169

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ESET Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship, Kicks Off 2025 North America Applications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced the tenth anniversary of its Women in Cybersecurity North American Scholarship originally launched in 2016 to support and empower women pursuing careers in cybersecurity. For a decade, ESET North America has encouraged and uplifted women to pursue careers in cybersecurity, offering financial assistance to help achieve their aspirations. In solidarity with the 2025 International Women’s Day’s #AccelerateAction theme, the Women in Cybersecurity North American Scholarship program expands its scope with additional awards, enhanced evaluation criteria, and a renewed focus on recognizing both technical excellence and emerging potential.

    Pioneering one of the first scholarships of its kind, Celeste Blodgett, Vice President of Human Resources at ESET North America, originated the program at the North American headquarters in San Diego, California in order to support women who want to go into technology fields. Bolstered by Celeste’s passion, the program has since awarded scholarships to more than 25 recipients in the U.S. and Canada, and expanded globally to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

    “Around the world, the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship recipients are showcasing a passion for protecting digital citizens, yet with women only accounting for less than one-fifth of the cybersecurity workforce there is much work to be done,” said Celeste Blodgett, Vice President of Human Resources at ESET North America. “We’ve encountered so many remarkable women who are passionate about shaping the future of this field and are thrilled to celebrate our tenth anniversary by earmarking one additional Cybersecurity Trailblazer award in the U.S. and five additional Future Leader awards in Canada.”

    According to the 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study conducted by (ISC)², women account for only 14.4% of the cybersecurity workforce, while men make up 79.6%. This stark imbalance underscores the critical need to bring more women into the profession, particularly as emerging technologies like generative AI continue to evolve. ESET is committed to fostering opportunities for women to lead in cybersecurity and AI, helping to bridge this gap and build a more balanced, innovative, and equitable future. Diversity in AI development is essential to ensure these tools are ethical, secure, and inclusive.

    ESET North America will award $45,000 in scholarships in 2025 to support the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. In the Cybersecurity Trailblazer Award Tier, the U.S. will grant three $10,000 scholarships—one of which is dedicated to a recipient in San Diego, honoring the program’s origins. This marks an expansion from previous years. In Canada, the Cybersecurity Trailblazer Award Tier will award two $5,000 scholarships to applicants demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency and a strong focus on cybersecurity. To celebrate the tenth anniversary, ESET has expanded the Future Leader Award (Canada only) to include five new $1,000 awards, recognizing emerging talent with great potential in cybersecurity.

    “This scholarship has greatly supported my career and academic journey by providing me the financial freedom to focus on my studies,” shared Anushka Khare, Security Program Manager at Microsoft and 2022 recipient of ESET’s Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship. “It has also allowed me to pursue advanced courses in cybersecurity, attend relevant workshops and gain hands-on experience. This support has not only enhanced my technical skills, but has also boosted my confidence, knowing I have the backing to succeed in this competitive field.”

    DETAILS AND HOW TO APPLY
    Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 round and submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT April 8, 2025. Applicants can learn more about the scholarships and submit their application by visiting our dedicated webpages. If you’re a US student, you can apply here; if you’re a Canadian student, apply here.

    Questions? Email us at US-scholarship@eset.com [US-only inquiries] or CA-scholarship@eset.com [Canada-only inquiries] with any questions.

    About ESET
    ESET provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyber threats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud or mobile protection, its AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multi-factor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ead3ad44-8afd-4420-be3f-2ed5140ac8ce

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Inquest into the Death of Rayleen Angus Besic

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 7, 2025

    A public inquest into the death of Rayleen Angus Besic will be held April 7 to 11, 2025, at the Coronet Hotel, 3551 2nd Avenue West, in Prince Albert.

    The first day of the inquest is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Subsequent start times will be determined by the presiding coroner.

    Angus Besic, 25, was found unconscious in her cell at the Pine Grove Provincial Correctional Centre in Prince Albert on April 15, 2022. EMS was called and staff began life-saving efforts. EMS arrived, took over her care and transported her to the Victoria Hospital. She was pronounced deceased at 10:46 hours on April 16, 2022.

    Section 20 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the Chief Coroner shall hold an inquest into the death of a person who dies while an inmate at a jail or a correctional facility, unless the coroner is satisfied that the person’s death was due entirely to natural causes and was not preventable.

    The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

    Coroner Brent Gough, K.C. will preside at the inquest.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transforming Blenheim Estate’s low-grade farmland into woodlands for nature and communities

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Case study

    Transforming Blenheim Estate’s low-grade farmland into woodlands for nature and communities

    Blenheim Estate planted 270,000 trees to improve biodiversity, water quality and public access, as well as generate income through timber production.

    Main facts

    • site: Blenheim Estate, Oxfordshire
    • size: 104 hectares with a further 47 hectares planned
    • type: multi-purpose lowland woodland with mixed broadleaf, some non-native species and conifer
    • species: 27 species including oak, hornbeam, lime, sycamore, wild cherry with a woody understorey. Experimental species are also included to assess climate change resilience. A small percentage of conifer will provide a productive timber crop and winter habitats for wildlife
    • grants: blended finance from Forestry Commission England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and private investment from Morgan Sindall
    • date: EWCO application approved in October 2021, planting began in November 2021

    Main objective

    Convert low-grade, unprofitable agricultural land into new woodlands to deliver multiple benefits including carbon sequestration, improved biodiversity, water quality and public amenity access, starting with a 30-year woodland management cycle.

    Roy Cox, Estate Director said:

    The health of the area around an estate directly affects the wellbeing of the estate itself. By investing in new woodlands, we are making Blenheim a better place for the community to thrive.

    Investing in trees for all to enjoy

    The Blenheim Estate is set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, covering 12,000 acres. Home to Blenheim Palace, it is a world heritage site and features several Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Its farming heritage spans hundreds of years, but with the phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme the owners began seeking new opportunities. Aware of the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, they seized the opportunity to invest in trees and woodlands and capitalise on the myriad of economic, social and environmental benefits trees offer.

    The Dorn and Glyme Valley Woodland Creation Scheme is creating 7 new woodlands. At the time of planting it was one of the largest woodland creation projects in the South East to date, transforming unproductive, low-grade agricultural land into a sustainable and commercially viable asset.

    The owners are planting over 270,000 new trees to sequester 20,000 tonnes of carbon over 25 years, which will boost biodiversity and generate wider community benefits – including a forest school and 15km of new woodland trails to enjoy and explore. The project will help the estate achieve their net zero aims and continue to prosper.

    Diversity and management delivering wider benefits

    Species diversity and active management help to secure the long-term health, resilience, and profitability of Blenheim’s new woodland. Planting has incorporated an innovative mix of 27 carefully selected species, from native broadleaves like hornbeam, lime, oak, sycamore, wild cherry, Norway maple, alder and beech, to experimental species such as paulownia, tulip tree and robinia. Several conifer blocks will deliver a productive timber crop and winter habitats for wildlife.

    This diverse mix will help reduce risk from pests and diseases and improve resilience to the effects of climate change. The controlled planting of novel species will provide valuable insight for studies on climate change resilience carried out by the University of Oxford.

    The design also includes an understorey of woody shrub species to create a diverse and self-sustaining ecosystem. Planting areas will be seeded with wild grass and a flower mix.

    The scheme incorporates long-term management plans, beginning with a 30-year management cycle with the Forest Canopy Foundation. Effective woodland management is vital for carbon sequestration, biodiversity gains and to achieve a profitable timber crop year-on-year. Well managed woodlands will not only ensure the estate can sequester carbon now, but far into the future through carbon being locked into timber products.

    The trees have been planted using biodegradable tree guards made of corn starch, supporting the estate’s aim to be plastic-free as far as possible. This approach provides valuable insight for ongoing research into plastic-free alternatives. In parallel, rabbit and deer fencing will protect young trees against browsing mammals.

    Great oaks from little acorns grow

    Many of the oak trees have been grown from acorns collected from Blenheim Park – providing a natural connection to the park and its heritage up and down the valley. A total of 11,402 acorns have been handpicked. Each one is labelled with the tree it came from. They will be planted along paths at entry points and key locations as special feature trees.

    Unlocking blended finance – through EWCO and private investment

    The Dorn and Glyme Valley scheme is multi-faceted and brings many natural capital benefits. It’s been made possible through a blended finance model – a combination of EWCO and private investment from Morgan Sindall, who are purchasing the carbon sequestered by the trees to help offset CO2 emissions.

    The scheme secured over £350,000 in additional contributions through EWCO for its benefits to:

    • nature recovery: by planting new native woodland in locations that will connect and expand existing woodland
    • water quality: by carefully positioning woodland to help filter soil particles
    • society: creating woodland close to people and granting permissive access via a 15km network of new paths

    It also trailblazes use of the Grown in Britain metric, based on the UK Forestry Standard, to quantify the provision of ecosystem services on each site. Using the metric helped to secure the private investment from Morgan Sindall.

    Liz Nicholson, Forestry Agent said:

    Courage, creative thinking and hard work are required to create a space and framework to realise the best markets which, in turn, will empower farming and forestry to develop into unsubsidised commercial sectors.

    Wildlife, water and wellbeing

    Woodlands provide huge benefits for people, nature, climate and the economy. The Dorn and Glyme Valley Woodland Creation Scheme at Blenheim is no exception:

    • the biodiversity of the area will improve significantly, most of the woodland blocks are close to, or adjoin existing native woodland and will help expand and connect natural habitats
    • an objective is to reduce siltation of Blenheim Lake, with the woodlands carefully positioned to improve water quality by helping to filter soil particles, reducing the frequency and costs of dredging the lake
    • the trees also provide natural flood management benefits, as well as further upstream in the Dorn valley – the Environment Agency are working with Blenheim Estate, Thames Water, and Evenlode Catchment Partnership to develop ‘Stage Zero’, a small slowing the flow project, which will recreate the impact of beavers on a catchment
    • the pandemic demonstrated the value that trees, woodlands and open spaces have on our physical and mental health, the scheme will improve access to nature for the community by creating a 15km circular trail with benches and glades, connecting communities across the estate, and will host a new forest school

    The scheme is designed as a 100-year project, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

    Top tips

    1. The Woodland Creation Planning Grant supports landowners in exploring the opportunities and constraints of a site. It helps facilitate a smooth transition of the final design to EWCO.
    2. Planting a diverse mix of species is important for overall woodland resilience and protection against pests and diseases.
    3. Active management, including ongoing deer and squirrel control, is vital to long-term success.
    4. Public access is not just a ‘nice thing to do’, there are sound economic and business models behind it.
    5. Trees and woodlands provide a profitable investment.

    Further information

    See the brochure version of this case study: Blenheim Estate brochure (PDF, 1.08 MB, 4 pages).

    For guidance on woodland creation and information on grants and available support, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation: overview.

    Find out how other farmers and landowners are benefitting from woodland creation, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation case studies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo crisis leaves mothers with newborns fleeing to Burundi

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    The aid response in Burundi to the crisis in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) “is literally buckling”, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, warned on Friday, as it relayed dramatic testimonies from people forced to flee the unchecked advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

    “Over 63,000 people now have crossed into the country, Burundi, fleeing atrocities, deadly conflict in parts of eastern DR Congo,” said Faith Kasina, UNHCR Regional Spokesperson for East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes.

    Amid the largest influx of refugees Burundi has seen in decades because of the hostilities in eastern DRC’s mineral-rich region, the UNHCR official issued an urgent appeal for immediate and sustained humanitarian funding to meet growing needs among the new arrivals. “This country, despite its best efforts, was not prepared for this emergency,” Ms. Kasina noted.

    The alert comes just days since UNCHR warned that sexual violence and human rights abuses remain rampant near the frontlines in DRC, along with looting and destruction of homes and businesses.

    Aid response ‘buckling’

    To assist the new arrivals, UNCHR and partners are registering them in Rugombo before facilitating their onward passage to refugee sites far from the border. “But without more or without sustained funding…the aid response is literally buckling,” she warned.

    At least 45,000 refugees have crammed into a stadium in Rugombo. “Conditions are extremely harsh…there are at least 45,000 people still sheltering in the stadium. The stadium is literally bursting at the seams.”

    Testimonies from many of those fleeing grave rights violations in eastern DRC linked to the M23 advance have continued to highlight the seriousness of the ongoing emergency.

    DR Congo rape alert

    On 4 March, UNHCR warned that 895 cases of rape were reported to humanitarians in the last two weeks of February alone – an average of more than 60 a day.

    One new mother “told me she gave birth three days before she had to flee and she had to cross the Rusizi river with her newborn baby in her arms and four more by her side,” Ms. Kasina said. “She was seeing people’s property and people’s luggage go down the river and she was scared for her life.”

    Another DRC victim uprooted by the conflict described how she had already fled to Rugombo in Burundi as a teenager – “Now she’s forced back in the almost exact same spot now with six children…it’s just as an unending cycle of displacement.”

    Highlighting the high number of children separated from their parents, UNHCR has set up a protection desk because “they have no point of contact and therefore these protection desks are useful in terms of trying to identify them, trying to connect them or reunite them with close family members”, the UNHCR official explained.

    There are over one million Congolese refugees across Africa, mainly in neighbouring countries. Uganda hosts more than half of that total, while Burundi has seen most new arrivals since January’s flash M23 offensive.

    Prior to the current crisis, some 6.7 million people were internally displaced within the DRC.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How should Labour and the Tories respond to the populist right? Lessons from Europe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Jeffery, Senior Lecturer in British Politics, University of Liverpool

    In Germany’s snap parliamentary elections, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) doubled its vote share to 21%, leaping from the fifth-largest party in Germany’s lower house to the second. In the UK, Reform UK is rising in the polls.

    The populist radical right is on the rise across Europe, and mainstream parties are grappling with how to respond.

    The German “firewall” approach involves treating them as a pariah. This means refusing to enter coalition with them, as well as excluding them from parliamentary posts and refusing to debate or engage with their parliamentary motions. After Germany’s election, the first-place party, the Christian democrats (CDU/CSU), has no majority and will need at least one coalition partner to form a government. But it will not ask the AfD – and nor will any other party due to the firewall.

    There are clear threats to this approach. Often the appeal of the populist right is that they are plucky outsiders, challenging a self-interested political cartel that ignores the views of the people. What better way to prove this case than by ignoring the democratically elected populists too?

    Furthermore, the firewall has clearly not worked in dampening support for the populists in Germany, as well as in France. This is especially the case when the populists have allies in the media, have privileges given them by the constitution or parliamentary rules (for example, membership on committees), or strong regional bases.

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    Mainstream parties must also decide whether to maintain their own policy positions or ape those of the populist radical right, especially on key topics like immigration and welfare.

    For social democratic centre-left parties, academic research is clear: do not move towards the populist radical right on policy.

    Typically, the voter base of social democratic parties is made up of two coalitions: the educated, urban and liberal middle classes, and the old core of industrial workers who tend to hold more authoritarian attitudes. In attempting to win over voters lost to the populist right by copying their policies, these parties tend to lose more voters on their liberal-left wing than they win on their populist-right wing.

    For the centre-right, the decision is harder. They face a similar challenge to the centre-left in that their support coalition is often made up of social authoritarians (who are more likely to be populist radical right-curious) and more centrist free-market liberals. Moving towards the populist right will alienate the latter camp, so it is not a silver bullet for bringing voters back into the fold.

    By not talking about policy areas which are clearly salient to the public, centre-right parties risk seeming out of touch. In contrast, talking about these issues increases their salience and highlights their rivals’ positions – but the centre-right may not be rewarded for this if they are seen to have been forced into changing policy by the populist radical right.

    Academics have explored this question in various ways. A 2021 study looked at voters’ ideological positions and subsequent propensity for voting for the centre-right or populist radical right. Another, published in 2022, examined changing party positions through manifestos and subsequent voter flows between the populist radical right and the centre-right across 13 western European countries. The evidence suggests that when parties adopt populist radical right positions, voters are more likely to defect to the radical right instead.

    The final strategy is the complete opposite to the German firewall: bring the populist radical right into government. The Austrian case is instructive here. In 1999, the centre-right Austrian People’s Party (OVP) entered a coalition with the populist radical right Freedom Party (FPO), which lasted until 2005. The pressures of government resulted in the FPO imploding and losing roughly two-thirds of its seat share in the next general election.

    But the FPO has increased its seat share in every subsequent election, reentering government in 2017 and emerging as the largest party in the 2024 general election. The centrist parties have now taken a firewall approach, forming a coalition without the FPO – and the FPO have soared in the polls. By bringing them into government in the first place, the OVP legitimised the FPO in the eyes of many voters.

    What should mainstream parties do?

    For the centre-left, the choice is obvious: resist the urge to ape the populist radical right and instead (following the lead of the Danish Social Democrats) adapt to a party system where the populist right cannot be gotten rid of, but is a problem to be managed.

    Centre-left parties need a robust message on immigration but they should not forget economics. They should primarily focus on traditional concerns around social protection and defending workers against the effects of globalisation.

    This has clear implications for the debate around Blue Labour ideology – that the Labour party should combine leftwing economics with more socially authoritarian stances on crime and immigration, plus a greater emphasis on community over the state and market – and how closely Keir Starmer should be paying attention to it.

    For centre-right parties like the UK’s Conservatives, there are no easy options.

    The UK does not have the historical baggage of Germany which sustains the firewall against the AfD. But Reform UK is also less extreme than its German counterparts, so its electoral ceiling is likely to be higher than the AfD’s. And the first-past-the-post system makes the consequences of a three-party system much harder to predict.

    Reform – like Ukip in the early 2010s – cannot be treated as a pariah, especially since it already has parliamentary representation which will probably be extended to Holyrood and the Senedd. The party also has a largely friendly rightwing media landscape. And perhaps most importantly, the Conservative party is split about whether to do a deal with Reform – if, of course, it actually wants said deal.

    Openly ignoring the issues Reform campaigns on will not work. Immigration is too much of a salient concern among voters (especially on the right) to ignore. While banging on about immigration will only add fuel to Reform’s fire, the Conservatives do need to say something – and that should start with “sorry for the last 14 years”.

    The Tories cannot openly move to the right without losing some of their centre flank. Of the seats won in 2024, Reform came second in nine, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats came second in 87 and 20 respectively. In 2024, for every vote the Conservatives lost to Reform, they also lost a vote to the Liberal Democrats or Labour.

    There is no “magic formula” for the centre-right to vanquish the populist radical right. Instead, they need to nail a tricky combination: a clear vision of what they believe, a consistent policy platform that flows from these beliefs, and a charismatic leader who can communicate this to the public.

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

    – ref. How should Labour and the Tories respond to the populist right? Lessons from Europe – https://theconversation.com/how-should-labour-and-the-tories-respond-to-the-populist-right-lessons-from-europe-250182

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: New Dietrich Bonhoeffer biopic is a grossly misleading portrait of the anti-Nazi dissident

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Barry Langford, Professor of Film Studies, Royal Holloway University of London

    The complexities of history have always posed problems for commercial cinema. With rare exceptions, mainstream historical films tend to flatten the inconveniently irregular textures of individual biographies and their context into simpler templates of good and evil, valour and villainy.

    This is abundantly true of dramatisations of German resistance in the Third Reich. Of course, there can be no overstating the enormity of Nazi crimes, the unquestionable courage of the regime’s all-too-few committed opponents – and the terrible price they almost all inevitably paid. So it’s perhaps understandable that people such as Claus von Stauffenberg (leader of the July 20 1944 attempt on Hitler’s life), or student dissident Sophie Scholl, have been portrayed in fairly one-dimensional ways.

    Yet acts of extraordinary courage and integrity are thrown into even sharper relief when we appreciate the flaws as well as the nobility of the people who undertake them. Not to do so risks turning these heroic, yet all too human, people into plaster saints.

    Sadly, director Todd Komarnicki’s earnest but painfully reductive new biopic of the Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-45) falls into all of these familiar traps.

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    Executed in the final days of the second world war, Bonhoeffer’s heroism is beyond question. From the very start of Nazi rule, and fully aware of the likely consequences, he stood in uncompromising, public opposition. He saw Nazi tyranny, above all, as an assault on Christian values.

    Bonhoeffer drove a campaign to repudiate the Nazi efforts to co-opt and “Aryanise” mainstream Protestantism. And he helped to establish the dissenting “confessing church”.

    Eventually he became a peripheral part of the network seeking to assassinate Hitler, though he was not a prime mover. By the time of the failed July 1944 bomb plot (one of several botched assassination attempts), he was already imprisoned.

    The film’s publicity, with its tagline “Pastor. Spy. Assassin” and ludicrous poster image of Bonhoeffer (Jonas Dassler) brandishing a pistol, erroneously implies otherwise.

    The trailer for Bonhoeffer.

    The real Bonhoeffer

    Bonhoeffer’s opposition to Nazism was moral, spiritual and expressed principally in his work as a theologian and teacher.

    His posthumously collected writings run to 17 volumes. Yet Bonhoeffer fluffs the essential task of making its hero’s religious faith dramatically compelling.

    The film prefers to imagine him as a figure of conventional derring-do, conspiring in cafés, infiltrating Nazi intelligence and personally ferrying Jewish fugitives across the Swiss border.

    All these scenes have some minor basis in Bonhoeffer’s biography. But cumulatively they misrepresent the essence of his anti-Nazi dissidence to the point of seriously distorting the historical record.

    One glaring example is the film’s depiction of his response to the Holocaust. Bonhoeffer denounced Jewish persecution at Nazi hands earlier, more forcefully and more consistently than almost any of his colleagues. Yet his opposition remained limited and complexly bound up with his Christian convictions.

    He was not, as the film suggests, a proto-Schindler rescuer; nor was he, or could he have been, impelled to action by viewing (non-existent) clandestine film of the death camps, as a very ahistorical scene implies.

    Bohoeffer imposes a wholly anachronistic modern comprehension of the Holocaust as Nazism’s defining crime, as if this will make its protagonist’s actions more admirable. In doing so, it ends up muffling the more complex particularities of his courage.

    Such inaccurate scenes abound. Bonhoeffer is mystifyingly slipshod on basic historical accuracy. Switching confusingly and with inadequate signposting between his final hours and his earlier life, the film includes such howlers as dissidents threatened with transfer to the “eastern front”, apparently in the mid-1930s.

    There’s also a cartoonishly lurid depiction of the Nazis’ attempted “Aryanisation” of the church. Swastikas block stained-glass windows and Bibles are swapped for Mein Kampf in pulpits.

    Melodrama over history

    The film’s portrait of German society during the Third Reich is also grossly misleading. Cadre of uniformed Nazis aside, we encounter barely a single German citizen who supports the regime. Wider German society is represented by the congregation who enthusiastically applaud a (fictitious) anti-Nazi sermon while the SS stage a huffy but mysteriously peaceful walkout.

    Again and again, Bonhoeffer substitutes difficult history for conventionalised melodrama. Shortly before his arrest in 1943 the 36-year-old Bonhoeffer became engaged to his former confirmation pupil, a girl of barely 18.

    His filmic avatar, by contrast, seems to lack any personal life whatsoever. Beyond, that is, an admittedly endearing affinity for jazz acquired during his seminary studies in New York (though seeing Bonhoeffer replace a Black female pianist onstage at a Harlem club, to apparently universal enthusiasm, leaves a sour taste).

    Even Bonhoeffer’s execution – which may have in reality been protracted and excruciating – is rendered as a bloodlessly ethereal affair. The moment is as sentimentally devotional as any studio-era Hollywood hagiography.

    Bonhoeffer’s posthumous standing, like that of other German anti-Nazis, has grown immensely. Since 1998, his limestone effigy has stood above Westminster Abbey’s west door as one of ten “modern martyrs.” But Bonhoeffer misses the opportunity to breathe credible dramatic life into this sainted figure.

    The Conversation approached the director and writer of Bonhoeffer, Todd Komarnicki, for comment.

    He told us that his screenplay was informed by the biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer written in 1966 by Bonhoeffer’s best friend, Eberhard Bethge. As part of a lengthy response, Komarnicki also maintained that the film’s depiction of Bonhoeffer’s involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler is accurate. He also argued that it was reasonable to speculate that Bonhoeffer could have seen the footage from the death camps. While he agreed that Dietrich did not literally take the Jewish prisoners into Switzerland as a proto-Schindler rescuer, he said: “I took the dramatic license in the film to illustrate the fact that his bravery did save actual Jewish lives.”

    He continued “Bonhoeffer is not a documentary. I have written many true life movies, and the necessity to alter timelines and to choose metaphor over fact (only when the metaphor supports the fact) comes up now and again … It is the job of cinema to entertain and inspire, to instruct and imagine. That is what the art form requires if it hopes to be any good at all. Every frame of my film tried to honour the man at its centre. And to tell the truth.”

    Barry Langford 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. New Dietrich Bonhoeffer biopic is a grossly misleading portrait of the anti-Nazi dissident – https://theconversation.com/new-dietrich-bonhoeffer-biopic-is-a-grossly-misleading-portrait-of-the-anti-nazi-dissident-244556

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Britain can still be a bridge between the US and Europe – here’s how Starmer can prove it

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nick Whittaker, Subject Lead in Social Sciences & Law, University of Sussex

    The US-EU relationship is at its most fragile point since the build-up to the Iraq war in 2003. While President Donald Trump openly questions Nato and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s desire for peace, EU leaders have continued to voice their unequivocal support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

    Between the two lies Britain. In a flurry of diplomacy, Keir Starmer has attempted to navigate the country’s tricky position: close to the US diplomatically, while staying aligned with the EU’s Ukraine policy.

    I argue that Starmer could use Britain’s island identity – separated from its closest neighbours just enough to allow a global outlook – to his advantage. Acting as an effective link between the US and the EU could turn this time of crisis into an opportunity. What Britain may lack in material capabilities, it can make up for in skilful diplomacy.

    Britain’s position as a “geopolitical bridge” stretches far back into the last century. As Britain was decolonising and reckoning with the growing power of the US and a uniting European continent, acting as a bridge was an effective way of ensuring relevance and maintaining alliances while its status as an imperial great power waned.

    This position was especially favoured by Labour politicians keen to emphasise how a socialist Britain could act as a link between the capitalist and communist worlds. In (sometimes reluctantly) arguing for Britain’s entry into the European Economic Community, some Conservatives posited membership as allowing Britain to bridge the Atlantic, given the UK’s strong postwar ties with the US.

    Even older is the idea of Britain as an “offshore balancer”. The UK’s proximity to the European continent meant it has always had an eye on political developments there. It has thus sought to maintain alliances in order to prevent Europe being dominated by one power (Napoleonic France, Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union) who could threaten the island sanctuary.

    With Britain no longer in the EU, this time of heightened transatlantic tensions provides an opportunity to reclaim these geopolitical stances (and some lost relevance) as a vital interlocutor between America and Europe.

    Nato on the brink

    Trump is notoriously erratic and unpredictable, yet one of his most consistent motifs has been to question Nato and “free-riding” allies. Herein lies the spectre of the most terrifying British nightmare: an American withdrawal from Nato.

    Britain and the US have, historically, both articulated their role as that of offshore balancer in relation to continental Europe. The threat against which they have been balancing since the end of the second world war is the Soviet Union and then Russia.

    If the Trump administration ceases to regard Russia as a threat or sees no utility in acting in its historic balancing role, the UK-US relationship will be placed under serious threat. For all of the importance of Anglo-Saxon identity tropes, kith and kin and the special relationship, alliances are best nurtured in conditions of shared interests.

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    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    Nato has been the real cornerstone of UK foreign, defence and security policy since the North Atlantic treaty’s inking in 1949, and is beloved of both Labour and Conservative politicians. US abandonment would be devastating. Thus it is Starmer’s greatest challenge and opportunity.

    The reality is that Nato is centred on continental Europe and always has been. Starmer can gain common ground with Trump at this critical juncture by emphasising Britain’s islandness, and the US’s similar separation from the continent.

    Starmer could position Britain as a mid-Atlantic interlocutor, close to Europe but not of Europe – appealing to the antipathy of some in the Trump administration about the continent. And his government has already gained Trump’s approval by increasing defence spending, an act that will also please nervous European governments.

    Global Britain?

    At this moment, Britain seems closer to the EU than it has been since 2016. Foreign and defence policy remain, to some extent, unfulfilled gaps in the EU’s portfolio. If Starmer can forge a close relationship around these issues, he can undercut some of the disappointments around Brexit, such as Britain being viewed as less relevant internationally and losing a seat at European security discussions.

    Notwithstanding the latest increase in defence spending, the British Army is smaller than it has been for several hundred years. Cuts to foreign aid, along with the merging of international development with the Foreign Office have prompted questions around Britain’s international clout.

    Yet its leaders remain high profile and listened to, with Starmer managing to cut a dignified figure in an era of posturing strongmen. He will need to convince Trump and his team that Europe (and Nato) is worthy of their time and attention. He must emphasise their common ground as offshore balancers, capable of providing a counterweight to Russia.

    EU leaders will also need to be reassured of Britain’s commitment to the continent after Brexit. Pressing harder for a UK-EU security pact is one way Starmer could signal this.

    Starmer’s White House visit was seen as a diplomatic success, but the mood has changed after Zelensky’s visit.
    Number 10/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND

    Trump repeatedly emphasises the personal aspect of politics, seeing states and alliances through a prism of which leaders are willing to flatter him or, at the very least, be “respectful”. Starmer grasped this early on and thus has a shot at forging a productive relationship with Trump, however painful it might be for some in his party.

    Yet the stakes are much higher than disgruntled backbenchers. The Labour party, with its internationalist roots, is deeply proud of the foreign policies of Clement Attlee and Ernest Bevin (although less so of Tony Blair’s). Although it may be stressed in different terms to their Conservative opponents, the party is just as concerned with retaining relevance and influence on the world stage.

    If this Labour government can find a way to successfully act as a bridge – by interesting Trump in Europe and convincing the EU that they are a reliable partner – then this not only salves some of the wounds of Brexit, it also potentially keeps Nato alive, for now.

    Nick Whittaker 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. Britain can still be a bridge between the US and Europe – here’s how Starmer can prove it – https://theconversation.com/britain-can-still-be-a-bridge-between-the-us-and-europe-heres-how-starmer-can-prove-it-251405

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Men’s concerns are real but backlash is not inevitable – the new rules guiding feminism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Heejung Chung, Director of the King’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, Professor of Work and Employment, King’s College London

    Shutterstock/Good Studios

    It’s a difficult period for the feminist movement. Space has opened up in public life for people who argue, very loudly, that efforts to level the playing field for women have come at the expense of men.

    Many political parties don’t merely neglect women’s interests – they put anti-feminism at the forefront of their agenda. There are strong powers at play, pitting women against men.

    The question, then, is what can be done? Here are three starting points.

    1. End the ‘backlash’ narrative

    Anyone interested in equality needs to fight back against those pushing a narrative that claims misogyny and backlash against feminism is inevitable or the norm. It is in fact only a small fraction of the population who feel this way. Most young men support women’s rights.

    For example, a survey my colleagues and I ran in 2024 found that 16% of young men in the UK aged 16-29 believe that feminism has done more harm than good, but more than double that number (36%) think it has done more good to the world. Similarly, 36% of young men say feminism has not gone far enough, while only 18% think it has gone too far.

    Humans are social animals. We are influenced by what we perceive as the accepted norm. This is why it is vital to challenge the idea that figures like the self-styled misogynist influencer Andrew Tate represent a majority viewpoint.

    This narrative is not only misleading but also politically motivated. Under the Donald Trump administration, there is political gain to be made when tech oligarchs such as Mark Zuckerberg call for more “masculine energy” in organisations or society.

    There are financial gains to be made for media outlets desperate for engagement in a clickbait economy. The prevalence of content that promotes anti-feminist worldviews risks shifting attitudes over time, as people often conform to what they believe is the dominant social norm.

    To counteract this, we must consistently highlight that the majority of people support social justice and gender equality. Most people believe in the goals of feminism, and want greater freedom for both men and women. The real norm is not regressive attitudes, but progress.

    2. Acknowledge men’s grievances

    Having said that, we must also acknowledge that a significant proportion of young men feel frustrated and disillusioned, and that this is a genuine issue. In a recent YouGov survey, a quarter of young men said they support Tate.

    However, they do so despite his misogynistic views, not because of them. They are drawn to his rhetoric about masculinity. This highlights a broader issue – the awkward positioning of young men in the evolving conversations around equality and diversity.

    For decades, campaigns have rightly encouraged girls to pursue their ambitions, break away from being squeezed into traditionally female roles, break into traditionally male-dominated spaces, and redefine gender norms. Just look at the number of girls taking STEM subjects in A-levels and how well they are doing, or how girl’s football has exploded.

    However, we have not done the same for boys. Boys are not doing traditional “girl” subjects, nor are they engaging in traditionally girl spheres like netball or ballet.

    In effect, society has embraced the “masculinisation” of women but has not equally shattered the barriers to enable the “feminisation” of men. Feminism was always intended to be about the liberation of all genders, yet we have neglected the other half of the equation – enabling boys to move beyond rigid masculinity.

    To truly advance gender equality, we must create space for compassionate masculinities to be valued. Boys need to be empowered to explore identities beyond the traditional mould of “being a man”.

    This includes embracing traits and roles historically coded as feminine – such as caregiving and emotional openness – without stigma. Only by expanding the possibilities for all genders can we achieve true equality.

    3. Counter populist exploitation

    Finally, the rise of populist movements across the world is partly attributable to economic inequality. Young people today are less likely to own their own house, many are also earning less than their parents.

    This may feel particularly pronounced for young men who once benefited from a system that privileged them – many of whom saw their fathers hold wealth and power. For them, equality can feel like a zero-sum game, where gains for others mean losses for them.

    Populist politicians and media exploit this frustration, directing young men’s grievances away from the real source of economic inequality – the extreme concentration of wealth among the richest, and exploitative labour market systems – and instead blaming women, migrants and other marginalised groups.

    Gender equality and economic social justice are deeply interconnected. We need to show that the challenges we face, and the causes of the problems we face are also shared. Likewise, the solutions to those problems benefit men and well as women.

    Male role models are everywhere: we can choose who to elevate.
    Shutterstock

    Many of the things feminist groups have been long arguing for, such as well-paid parental leave for both parents, directly benefit men. Better leave for fathers helps them and children as well as supporting mothers’ employment and the wellbeing of the entire family and community.

    In other words, what we want is not very dissimilar. We need to be able to share that our utopian vision of feminist futures is a place where both women and men would also want to live. The equal society we dream of is one in which men will thrive as well.

    Finally, we need better male role models. There are a wide range of masculinities that are compassionate, brave, support communities and protect the most vulnerable. We not only know they are possible but see them existing in the world in the men we know.

    We need to put greater efforts in to stop the problematic narrative of manhood that is being spread on social media algorithms and hack and flood these channels with more positive visions of the world.

    The next stage of feminist activism is going to be challenging. We therefore need all genders to come together to fight the good fight with us. Are you ready? Don’t be afraid. I guarantee, you will also love the future it will bring us.

    Heejung Chung receives funding from the Productivity Institute, Norwegian Research Council, the European Commission, Nuffield Foundation, and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF-2023S1A5A2A03083567). She is the Director of the King’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership which receives funding from a wide range of philantrophic foundations and individuals. She has previously received funding from the TUC, Government Equalities Office, NORFACE, ESRC, European Commission and others. She is currently an academic advisory board member of the NGO Working Families.

    – ref. Men’s concerns are real but backlash is not inevitable – the new rules guiding feminism – https://theconversation.com/mens-concerns-are-real-but-backlash-is-not-inevitable-the-new-rules-guiding-feminism-250518

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Women are three times as likely as men to feel unsafe in parks – here’s how we can design them better

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Barker, Associate Profession in Criminal Justice & Criminology, University of Leeds

    FotoDuets/Shutterstock

    Parks and other green spaces are vital for life in a city, providing places to exercise, relax or meet friends. But for many women, these spaces can feel unwelcoming and unsafe. Concerns about personal safety can create significant barriers for women and girls, reducing their access to the benefits these spaces can provide.

    A 2022 survey revealed that four out of five of women in Britain feel unsafe in parks after dark, compared to two out of five men. Although women feel safer during the day, they are still three times more likely than men to feel unsafe (one in six women compared to one in 20 men).

    This gender gap in perceived safety leads to unequal access, reduced physical activity and lowers the restorative benefits of green spaces for women. This matters because women, particularly those with time pressures like caregiving responsibilities, have the most to gain from time in green spaces.

    Public spaces are often designed with male users as the norm, overlooking the specific needs of women and girls and other vulnerable groups. For example, common recreational facilities in parks often include games areas, skateparks and BMX tracks, all traditionally considered male interests.

    One study found that men are five times more likely to use basketball courts, four times more likely to use exercise areas, and almost 20 times more likely to use skateparks compared to women and girls. This results in girls feeling unwelcome and unaccommodated, avoiding spaces that do not cater to their essential needs, or are dominated by men and boys.

    Safety work

    Women often engage in what researchers call safety work. This is the hidden mental and physical effort needed to navigate public spaces in the threat of male violence and harassment. This can take the form of avoidance, where women bypass parks entirely, or at certain times. After dark or when alone, women often elect, to take longer routes to avoid parks, even if going through them is the most direct and efficient route.

    Women are more likely to feel unsafe and more likely to change their behaviour as a result. In 2022, a survey revealed revealed that 37% of women and 24% of men reported avoiding quiet places, such as parks, after dark due to safety concerns. Generally speaking, men face fewer safety related inhibitions and use parks more frequently in their daily routines.

    Women also engage in hidden safety work to access the benefits of parks. They preemptively plan their visits, considering time of day, busyness of the space and location. Once in the park, they are hyperaware of their environment, assessing social situations and monitoring unfamiliar men for potential threats. These strategies highlight the extra mental load women carry simply to use public spaces.

    Research suggests that women are significantly more likely than men to experience “dysfunctional worry”, when worry and precautionary behaviour negatively impacts their quality of life and wellbeing.

    What makes parks feel unsafe?

    We have conducted research into what makes parks feel safe and unsafe for women. We found that it is a mix of things, from the immediate social and physical features of environments to broader patriarchal structures, misogyny and fear of men.

    A few examples highlighted in our research and other studies show what features make parks feel (un)safe:

    Factors like socioeconomic status, race, disability and age can exacerbate the experience of feeling unsafe for some people. And people in marginalised communities are already more likely to live near small, unsafe poorly maintained parks and further away from larger and higher quality green spaces. These combined factors are the subject of an innovative new study we are leading to ensure parks meet the needs of different users.

    Features like exercise equipment and skateparks may not be welcoming to all users.
    Macrovector/Shutterstock

    Urban planners and policymakers must prioritise, and actively incorporate women’s safety in park design and management. Community engagement with women from different backgrounds is essential for creating safe and inclusive parks and green spaces.

    Initiatives like the Safer Parks Guidance, which one of us (Anna Barker) produced with Keep Britain Tidy, Make Space for Girls and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, aims to improve perceptions of safety by incorporating better lighting, open sight lines, regular maintenance and inclusive programming.

    Simply having a park nearby is not enough – they must be welcoming and safe for all.

    Anna Barker receives funding from Mayor of West Yorkshire via the Home Office Safer Streets Fund and the Economic and Social Research Council. She is affiliated with University of Leeds and a Trustee of Love Leeds Parks.

    Jennie Gray receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council. She is affiliated with the University of Leeds.

    Vikki Houlden receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council, and the Medical Research Council. She is affiliated with the Univesity of Leeds.

    – ref. Women are three times as likely as men to feel unsafe in parks – here’s how we can design them better – https://theconversation.com/women-are-three-times-as-likely-as-men-to-feel-unsafe-in-parks-heres-how-we-can-design-them-better-248465

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Pac-Man with a ponytail’ proteins regulate everything from night vision to heartbeats – studying what GRKs look like could improve an array of drugs

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Priyanka Naik, Ph.D. Candidate in Structural Biology, Purdue University

    Rhodopsin kinase – GRK1 – is a GRK found in the retina of your eyes. Priyanka Naik, CC BY-ND

    Each cell in your body relies on precise communication with other cells to function properly. At the center of this process are the molecular switches that turn communication signals in the body on and off. These molecules are key players in health and disease. One such molecular switch is G protein-coupled receptor kinases, or GRKs for short.

    From vision to heart function and cell growth, GRKs play a vital role in maintaining physiological balance. When they go awry, they can contribute to cardiovascular disease, inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and multiple types of cancer.

    Their involvement in a broad range of diseases makes GRKs an attractive drug target. Around 30% to 40% of all drugs currently on the market focus on these proteins. However, designing drugs that selectively target specific GRKs is a difficult task. Because they are structurally similar to each other and to other proteins, molecules binding to one GRK might also bind to many other enzymes and cause unwanted side effects.

    A better understanding of how GRKs interact with their targets can help researchers develop better drugs. So my work in the Tesmer Lab at Purdue University focuses on uncovering more information on the structure of GRKs.

    What do G protein-coupled receptor kinases look like?

    What researchers know about the structure of GRKs has advanced significantly over the past two decades, revealing the intricate mechanisms by which they function.

    The ability to physically look at proteins is highly useful for drug development. Seeing a protein’s structure is like looking at a jigsaw puzzle – you can find the missing piece by knowing its shape. Similarly, knowing a protein’s shape helps scientists design molecules that fit perfectly into it, making drugs more effective.

    GRKs consist of several modules, or domains, that serve a particular purpose. Together, these modules assemble into a structure resembling a Pac-Man with a ponytail.

    The kinase domain – the Pac-Man – is the catalytic center where the protein does its main job: adding a phosphate group to its target to control its activity. It has two subdomains – one small and one large lobe – connected by a hinge that can open and close. Like Pac-Man, this domain closes around reactants and reopens to release products.

    The three domains of GRKs resemble a Pac-Man with a ponytail. Shown here is GRK2.
    Priyanka Naik, CC BY-ND

    The RH domain – the ponytail – stabilizes the kinase domain. It guides and docks the GRK to its target protein.

    Humans have seven GRKs, each specialized for different tissues and functions, and each unique in structure. Some regulate vision, while others affect your brain, kidney and immune functions, among others. Their structural differences dictate how they interact with their targets, and understanding these distinctions is key to designing drugs that can selectively target each one.

    In 2003, researchers in the lab where I work uncovered the first known structure of a GRK – specifically, GRK2, which is involved in heart functions and cell proliferation – by using a technique called macromolecular crystallography. This involved bombarding a GRK2 sample with X-rays and tracing where they bounce off to determine where each atom of the protein is located.

    Current state of GRK research

    By determining how the three modules of GRK2 are arranged and where its target molecules would bind, my colleagues and I can design drugs that strongly interact with GRK2.

    GRK2 with Paxil bound to its active site.
    Priyanka Naik, CC BY-ND

    For example, in 2012, one of my colleagues discovered that the antidepressant Paxil could inhibit GRK2. To build on this discovery, our team designed drugs with similar shapes to Paxil to identify ones that effectively and selectively inhibit GRK2. The goal was to develop treatments that could target GRK2-related diseases such as heart failure and breast cancer without interfering with other proteins, thereby minimizing side effects.

    After determining what Paxil looks like when bound to GRK2, we designed a series of derivative compounds that better fit into GRK2’s active site – the missing jigsaw puzzle pieces. Some of these compounds were able to better block GRK2 compared with Paxil, improving the ability of heart muscle cells to contract. While the research is still in its early stages, our findings suggest that these compounds could potentially be used to treat heart failure.

    An important missing piece of the story is what GRK2 looks like when bound to its primary target in the cells. These protein complexes are highly shape-shifting, making traditional imaging methods very difficult.

    However, recent advances in imaging have made it possible to determine the structure of these molecules. Cryogenic electron microscopy, or cryo-EM, flash-freezes proteins and bombards them with electrons to capture their structure. These studies have thus far revealed what GRK1 and GRK2 look like when bound to two different target proteins, offering critical insights into how they work.

    Cryo-EM was the subject of the 2017 Nobel Prize in chemistry.

    My work focuses on uncovering how GRK2 function is different from GRK1. These proteins play different physiological roles – GRK1 primarily regulates vision, while GRK2 is involved in heart function and cell proliferation. Identifying structural differences in different GRKs will help researchers design drugs that only target the GRK of interest, thus preventing side effects.

    By combining cutting-edge imaging techniques with decades of research, scientists in my lab and others hope to one day unlock the full therapeutic potential of GRKs, offering pinpointed treatments for a wide range of diseases.

    Priyanka Naik receives funding from Purdue University. The Tesmer Lab, discussed here, is funded by Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health and the Walther Cancer Foundation.

    – ref. ‘Pac-Man with a ponytail’ proteins regulate everything from night vision to heartbeats – studying what GRKs look like could improve an array of drugs – https://theconversation.com/pac-man-with-a-ponytail-proteins-regulate-everything-from-night-vision-to-heartbeats-studying-what-grks-look-like-could-improve-an-array-of-drugs-248298

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five things young professionals can do today to promote gender equality at work

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elisabeth Kelan, Professor of Leadership and Organisation, King’s College London

    lynxie/Shutterstock

    If you are starting your career today, you will hopefully see evidence of how far gender equality has come at work. You may have experienced little gender difference in educational attainment, see plenty of women leading companies, and be aware of legal protections and policies to combat gender discrimination in pay and promotions. Your office may even put on events to mark International Women’s Day.

    But, as I have found in my research, this overall progress can mask gender inequalities that still exist in the workplace. Many young professionals will be surprised that gender pay and pension gaps still exist, that women are still overlooked for leadership opportunities, and that sexism is still rife in many workplaces.

    So, what do you do if you encounter gender inequality at work? If you aren’t a manager or executive, it might feel like there isn’t much you can do to change your workplace culture. But here are a few practical steps you can take today to promote gender equality at work.

    1. Develop your gender bias radar

    The first thing you can do is learn to spot gender bias. It is often difficult to tell where gender inequalities might be at play. Did you not get this promotion or that career-accelerating project because you are a woman, or because you haven’t demonstrated the right skills?

    You might want to ask your manager for feedback on how the decision was made, and note if any of the reasons given have to do with gendered traits – such as being seen as “aggressive” rather than “assertive”, or that you do not “fit in” with a team. These might be indicators that gender is relevant here.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

    Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    It can be useful to discuss with your colleagues what their experience of getting a promotion has been. Beyond that, you might want to compare salaries with your colleagues of different genders to see if there are any patterns. In some cases, gender might not be at play at all.

    It is also helpful to notice wider patterns in your workplace. How many women are in leadership positions or given opportunities to chair committees? Who is asked to take care of “office housework”, such as organising leaving dos or taking notes in meetings? Are sexist comments frequent, and how are they dealt with?

    2. Call out gender biases

    Research shows that making stereotypes visible is central to overcoming them. For example, you might spot that Sarah’s contribution to a meeting is ignored but then Tom repeats the same thought – and suddenly, it is seen as a fantastic idea.

    In such a situation, you can comment that Sarah had made that great point beforehand. In this way, the potential gender bias is called out and can be addressed. If the gender bias persists, you may want to keep a record of such incidents, get input from your colleagues, and ultimately raise the issue with your line manager or HR.

    If the behaviour is more overt, such as misogynistic comments or sexual harassment, it may be even more important to keep a detailed record of evidence and seek support from HR.

    3. Enlist allies

    If you are the most junior person in the room, calling out bias might not always be a realistic option. In such cases, you can enlist others – both women and men – to support gender equality.

    Let’s say you were not able to praise Sarah’s suggestion in the meeting itself. What you can do is find someone to address this gender bias on your behalf. For example, you could ask the chair of the meeting to bring it up next time that Sarah makes a great contribution.

    These may feel like small incidents, but drawing attention to them repeatedly will reduce gender inequality the long run.

    Men and women can advocate for gender-inclusive policies at work.
    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    4. Advocate for gender-inclusive policies

    Becoming an advocate for gender equality means actively supporting and encouraging gender-inclusive practices at work. This can mean attending events or workshops on gender equality, but it can also mean suggesting new policies and practices that might improve gender equality.

    For example, updating leave policies to support workers experiencing the menopause, improving paternity leave policies, or expanding flexible working.

    Both men and women can be advocates for gender-inclusive workplaces. While women are often seen as natural supporters for gender equality, men can be effective change-makers too. If you are a man, discuss gender equality with others or attend gender equality-focused events. If you are woman, bring up the topic with men or invite them to events where gender equality is being discussed.



    Read more:
    How ‘allyship’ can make LGBT+ staff feel less excluded in the work place

    5. Find (and be) a role model

    Role models are important in the workplace because they allow us to see our possible selves in the future. However, very often we limit ourselves when it comes to gender – women look for women as role models, and men often only pick other men.

    Finding a range of role models – and acting as a role model yourself – can help make workplaces more equal by challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities for diverse individuals.

    Pick a variety of different role models and specify what you appreciate in them – the more specific the better. You do not need to look for perfection. Instead, look for what practices you admire in them.

    Elisabeth Kelan 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. Five things young professionals can do today to promote gender equality at work – https://theconversation.com/five-things-young-professionals-can-do-today-to-promote-gender-equality-at-work-251516

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Welfare cuts won’t succeed without healthier jobs

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alice Martin, Head of Research, Work Foundation, Lancaster University

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    The UK could be poised to cut billions of pounds from its welfare spend as the Treasury takes the view that there is less room for manoeuvre in the finances than hoped. Only last October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves believed she had almost £10 billion of so-called “fiscal headroom”, essentially a buffer in her budget if the economy changed. But things have changed very quickly for Reeves.

    Welfare spending in the UK is around £50 billion a year – and predicted to rise to more than £75 billion by 2030. Regardless of other pressures, the government had already been expressing concern about the size of the bill, even attempting to make a “moral case” for ensuring people who can work are doing so.

    But none of this gets around the fact that the UK has been dubbed the “sick man of Europe”. The rise in health-related economic inactivity since COVID – people leaving the workforce because they’re too ill – has certainly attracted widespread political attention. Some commentators have recently challenged the narrative however, pointing to differences in how economic activity is measured in other countries.

    We have researched the reasons why British workers leave their jobs after their health declines. When deciding whether to make cuts, the government should try to understand what is really happening with the health of the UK workforce.

    The overall picture is stark. More working-age people have a diagnosed major health problem than ever before and numbers are due to rise by 500,000 by 2030. Improvements in life expectancy have stalled and regional differences in health are large and growing.

    Almost one in four working-age people are classed as disabled, a diverse and growing minority. Meanwhile mental ill health rates are rising, particularly among young people.

    Poor work quality is one of the things that is harming health in many ways. Long hours, shift work and work-related stress all take their toll.

    In 2023-24, half of all UK work-related ill health was due to stress, anxiety or depression. Ultimately a bad job can be worse for health than no job.

    These problems are not unique to the UK. Other countries are grappling with similar issues but have been quicker to respond, including with high-quality occupational health systems and specific legislation around work-related “psychosocial risks”.

    These are factors like workloads, long hours, a lack of autonomy and support at work and workplace harassment. The UK has been slower to grasp the nettle and act.

    Our recent study explored why British workers quit their jobs following a decline in their health. We surveyed 1,117 business leaders, reviewed occupational health approaches and studied the employment journeys of 9,169 workers aged 16-60 over a four-year period.

    We found that nearly one in ten employees (9%) who experienced a decline in their health left their job within four years. Critically, nearly half of these exits were in the first 12 months, suggesting that once sick pay entitlements run out, people who have not recovered may face little choice but to quit and enter the welfare system.

    Workers grappling with multiple health challenges face even greater risks. Those with three or more conditions are 5.6 times more likely to quit work than their healthier peers. And those with poor mental health are almost twice as likely to leave.

    The role of healthy ‘job design’

    Our study found that workers without flexibility were four times more likely to leave after their health declined. And for those with low levels of control in their job, the risk was 3.7 times higher.

    A previous study found that people in insecure work, for example through a temporary or zero-hours contract, become workless at higher rates when their health deteriorates.

    Despite the fact that job design can determine whether people stay in work, in the UK it has largely been left to employers to decide the types of jobs and protections they offer. This hands-off approach to workforce health is what sets the UK apart – and not in a good way.

    In the Netherlands, employers carry the financial burden for statutory sick pay for up to 104 weeks. This has motivated them to help people return to work by adapting their jobs. In Australia, employers have to implement return-to-work programmes, assisted by regional coordinators.

    Our survey of UK business leaders revealed that while 64% recognise the economic impact of poor employee health, only 48% offer flexible working arrangements. And just 37% provide occupational health services. They acknowledged several workplace factors that exacerbate problems, such as excessive workloads (75%), long working hours (73%) and a lack of breaks (74%).

    But implementation of preventive measures is low. Only 36% assess mental health risks and 37% adjust workloads to ensure they are manageable.

    The state pension age is set to rise to 67 by 2028 and potentially to 71 by 2050, meaning more people may have to work for longer. Yet, as people live and work longer they are also becoming sicker.

    In this context there is an urgent need to promote healthy, sustainable work. This means achieving living and working conditions that can be sustained across a lifetime. It requires a joined-up employment and welfare system that supports people to take breaks when they need to, such as for health-related and caregiving needs.

    Practical measures include raising statutory sick pay and ensuring working time protections and flexible work rights mean everyone has a healthy work-life balance.

    Government must also legislate to ensure that employers take steps to address known work-related causes of ill health.

    The UK government’s Get Britain Working agenda aims to support inactive people, including those with long-term illnesses, back into suitable work. And the employment rights bill should strengthen worker protections. But these changes will take time. Cutting welfare now will affect hundreds of thousands of people who are out of work on health grounds, and do not have a viable alternative.

    Britain’s welfare bill is not about sudden mass exits from the workforce but rather a steady drip of workers leaving, compounded by insufficient protections and workplace insecurity. With a growing population of older workers and rising health challenges, guaranteeing good-quality work is no longer optional for the UK — it is essential.

    Alice Martin works for the Work Foundation, an independent UK think tank focused on overcoming labour market inequalities and improving working lives.

    Stavroula Leka is Professor of Organisations, Work & Health and Director of the Centre for Organisational Health and Well-being at Lancaster University. She is also the President of the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology.

    Stavroula’s research is currently funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health, ESRC, and the European Commission.

    – ref. Welfare cuts won’t succeed without healthier jobs – https://theconversation.com/welfare-cuts-wont-succeed-without-healthier-jobs-251556

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Women and girls are on the frontline of climate change – but their stories are seldom heard

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sanam Mahoozi, PhD Candidate in Journalism, City St George’s, University of London

    Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

    Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. They are more likely to suffer health consequences as a result of floods, droughts, heatwaves, air pollution, wildfires and other environmental disasters.

    At the same time, women also tend to be responsible for securing food, water and energy for the rest of their families. When extreme weather makes these resources scarce, their lives and livelihoods are at risk.

    Despite all of this, women are alarmingly underrepresented in climate change and environmental reporting. A global analysis by the non-profit Media Diversity Institute found that only one in four sources quoted in online news stories about climate change, published between 2017 and 2021, were women. That means the stories being told about climate change are mostly through the eyes and experiences of men.

    I study how the media covers environmental issues in authoritarian countries like Iran and throughout the Middle East and North Africa, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, which faces extreme heat, water shortages and sand and dust storms.

    As part of research for my recently completed PhD, I have found that women are rarely quoted as sources in news about climate change and environmental degradation, and those that do speak up are often threatened.

    Not enough women ‘on record’

    Finding sources in authoritarian countries is already difficult, but finding women who are willing to share their testimonies with journalists is even harder.

    In Iran, environmental issues are highly politicised. Discussing water shortages or air pollution can be interpreted as criticism of the government. Anyone speaking to a journalist can expect intimidation, arrest or even death. Naturally, many sources hesitate to talk. But for women, the barriers are even greater.

    In 2024, I reported on a heatwave in Iran where temperatures exceeded 50°C in some provinces. Through “off-the-record” conversations, I learned that the extreme heat was causing women to suffer heatstroke, menstrual problems, even miscarriages.

    Yet, when I analysed the media coverage, there was little mention of this. Most articles focused on how the government had to shut down schools and offices.

    I reached out to women in different parts of Iran, including mothers, students and medical professionals. Some spoke to me anonymously, but even women in leadership positions within the government or environment sector wouldn’t talk for fear of a reaction from the state intelligence apparatus.

    This is a pattern I’ve seen throughout my research and reporting. If women cannot safely speak out, their struggles remain invisible.

    Women are leading, but where’s the coverage?

    Here’s the irony: while women are missing from climate reporting, they are in fact leading many environmental efforts. Evidence suggests that women are more likely than men to volunteer for environmental causes or act in an environmentally friendly way, for example. Countries with more women in political leadership tend to have stronger climate policies.

    Though, there is some imbalance in media coverage of women too. For example, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has been recognised in media consumed mostly in wealthier countries in Europe, North America and Australasia (what is often called the global north). But in Asia, Africa and Latin America (often called the global south) where climate change is hitting hardest, I have found women leading environmental movements rarely get the same level of attention.

    This is despite the fact there are numerous women environmental leaders in this part of the world. In Iran, wildlife and conservation activists Niloufar Bayani and Sepideh Kashani were imprisoned and tortured for over six years after being falsely accused of espionage by the intelligence arm of the Islamic revolutionary guard corps.

    Their work was dedicated to protecting Iran’s environment, particularly the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, highlighting the risks faced by those advocating for conservation under repressive regimes. Bayani wrote a manifesto about the climate crisis and educated women in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison in 2023, when she was still serving a decade-long sentence.

    Another woman, Juliet Kabera of Rwanda, is an advocate for banning plastic bags and single-use plastics and attended global treaty negotiations to tackle plastic waste and cut global production. These women, and their work and sacrifices, are often missing from media coverage about the environment.

    My PhD research on environmental reporting in the Middle East and North Africa, which echoes other work in this area, found that women are often depicted as victims of climate disasters rather than experts, leaders or solution-makers. Women in the global north are more frequently included in discussions about climate policy, activism or research, than their counterparts in the global south.

    When the media misses the perspectives of women living through crises, we miss their ideas and experience. As a result, environmental policies may not reflect the breadth of the problem, or address the needs of those who are most affected.

    If women are more impacted by climate change and are leading the fight, why aren’t they also leading the conversation in the media?

    Sanam Mahoozi 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. Women and girls are on the frontline of climate change – but their stories are seldom heard – https://theconversation.com/women-and-girls-are-on-the-frontline-of-climate-change-but-their-stories-are-seldom-heard-251631

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Seven ways feminism has improved the world for young women – compared to our mother’s generations

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hind Elhinnawy, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University

    wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

    International Women’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate how far we’ve come in transforming the lives of women and girls around the world.

    Historically, women have faced subjugation and limited freedom, with societal expectations confining us to marriage and child-rearing. In the UK, the suffragette movement in the early 20th century was a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s rights. The efforts of activists like Emmeline Pankhurst and the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), along with parallel movements worldwide, laid the ground for future advancements.

    Fast forward to the 21st century and increased access to education and healthcare has shattered the notion of women as passive, opening up a world of new opportunities. Here are eight examples of social changes that have made the world a more equitable place for women in their 20s and 30s than things were for our mothers.

    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:

    1. We are crushing career barriers

    In the 1960s, career options for women were generally limited to roles like domestic servants, teachers, nurses or dressmakers.

    Thanks to decades of relentless advocacy and progress, today, women are breaking barriers across all industries. Although challenges still exist, we can now find roles in traditionally male-dominated fields such as technology, engineering and finance.

    Policies supporting work-life balance and combating discrimination are more prevalent. And the rise of remote work and flexible schedules allow many women to more effectively balance their careers with their personal lives.

    2. We are experiencing an education revolution

    Women’s education was limited in the 1960s by societal norms that prioritised marriage over academic achievement. Young women often left school early, and few could pursue higher education.

    Today, the education landscape has transformed dramatically, offering more opportunities for women to pursue higher education and specialised training. Scholarships and grants, as well as online education platforms have made education more accessible and affordable.

    Women are now earning degrees at higher rates than ever before. In the UK, 57% of graduates are women and in the US, that jumps to 58%.

    In many countries, women now outpace men when it comes to university enrolment.
    Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

    3. We are taking charge of our relationships

    For many women in our mothers’ and grandmothers’ generation, marriage was seen as the ultimate goal, with family life centred on traditional roles.

    Over the past six decades, divorce has lost much of its stigma, allowing women to make choices that better prioritise our wellbeing. In many countries now, forced marriage has been outlawed and crimes like domestic violence and stalking – overwhelmingly perpetrated against women – are finally being taken seriously by both the law and the media.

    In the UK, diverse family structures, including single parenthood, cohabitation and LGBTQ+ partnerships are now recognised by the law. This means we have the freedom to make choices in our relationships based on our own needs and desires.

    4. We have gained control over our reproductive choices

    Reproductive rights were severely limited in the 1960s. Most women had little access to birth control and limited knowledge about family planning.

    Today we have greater control over our reproductive choices, supported by legal rights and medical advances. Increased access to contraception and comprehensive reproductive health services are empowering us to make informed decisions.

    While challenges remain, particularly in the US, the strides made highlight the importance of continued advocacy for reproductive justice.



    Read more:
    Roe v Wade overturned: what abortion access and reproductive rights look like around the world

    5. We are socially and culturally more empowered

    The social and cultural landscape has undergone a seismic shift, empowering women like never before.

    Movements such as #MeToo (a social campaign against sexual abuse and harassment, empowering survivors to share their experiences), and Time’s Up (a movement founded in 2018 by celebrities that aimed to support victims of workplace sexual harassment and advocate for gender equality), have shattered the silence on gender inequality and harassment.

    Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes speech marked an important moment in the Time’s Up movement.

    6. We have gained legal rights and political influence

    In the course of a generation, women have gained substantial legal rights, with laws supporting gender equality and protection against discrimination coming into force.

    More women are now lawyers, judges and lawmakers, leading to more equitable laws and policies addressing workplace discrimination, domestic violence and reproductive rights. As of 2024, women make up over 50% of law firm associates and more than 40% of the nation’s lawyers. In the 1980s women comprised only about 8% of the legal profession.

    Our political influence has also grown. Today, women occupy more significant positions in government globally than ever before , from local councils to prime ministers and presidents. Our voices are now crucial in shaping policies and representing diverse perspectives.

    7. We are making strides internationally

    Worldwide, between 2012 and 2020, the proportion of girls completing lower secondary school rose from 69% to 77%, while the proportion completing upper secondary school rose from 49% to 59%.

    The adolescent birth rate has fallen globally from 51 to 42 births per 1,000 girls aged 15-19 since 2012. Meanwhile, the proportion of young women married as children has declined globally from 23% to 19% over the past decade.

    And the proportion of girls aged 15-19 who have undergone female genital mutilation in countries where it is highly concentrated has decreased from 41% to 34% over the past decade.

    The fight continues

    Despite significant progress, many outdated and oppressive laws against women persist globally. In conflict zones, women often bear the brunt of brutality, and the continuing refugee crisis puts thousands of women and girls at risk of sex trafficking and exploitation.

    The recent overturning of Roe v Wade in the US has also set back reproductive rights, leading to increased restrictions on abortion access.

    Education also remains a critical issue. Nearly 30% of girls worldwide still do not complete lower secondary school, and around 48% do not complete upper secondary school. And in the least developed countries, adolescent birth rates remain alarmingly high at 94 births per 1,000 girls aged 15-19. The barriers to accessing effective contraceptives include cost, stigma, lack of accurate information and limited decision-making autonomy.

    We’ve made incredible strides in advancing women’s rights, but these setbacks remind us that the fight isn’t over. We must continue to advocate and take action to ensure equality and protection for all women, not just on International Women’s Day, but all year round.

    Hind Elhinnawy 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. Seven ways feminism has improved the world for young women – compared to our mother’s generations – https://theconversation.com/seven-ways-feminism-has-improved-the-world-for-young-women-compared-to-our-mothers-generations-251532

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why a US minerals deal with Ukraine won’t deter Russian aggression

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Patrick E. Shea, Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Global Governance, University of Glasgow

    The US vice-president, J.D. Vance, recently told Fox News that “the very best security guarantee” to prevent Russia from invading Ukraine again was “to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine”.

    The implication is that the much-debated minerals deal, in which an investment fund managed by Kyiv and Washington would receive revenue from Ukraine’s natural resources, would create American economic interests in Ukraine. American security interests, it is suggested, could soon follow.

    Vance’s comments came with the deal hanging in the balance. A meeting at the White House on February 28, where the deal was expected to be signed, turned into a shouting match between Vance, the US president, Donald Trump, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky.

    Zelensky has since attempted to patch up relations with the Trump administration, announcing that he is ready to sign the deal at “any time and in any convenient format”. And Vance, when asked whether an agreement was still on the table, said Trump “is still committed” to reaching a deal.

    Having access to Ukrainian minerals is an important opportunity for America’s missile system electronics and electric vehicle industries. Ukraine is, for example, home to around one-third of all European lithium deposits, the key component in batteries.

    This access is particularly important now that China, which currently accounts for a high proportion of certain US mineral imports, has imposed a ban on exporting rare minerals to the US in retaliation for Trump’s tariff policies.

    But, while Ukraine’s minerals are tempting to the US and other world powers, a deal with Trump won’t help Ukraine’s security situation.

    Trump’s approach has two main flaws. First, research shows that investment typically follows security commitments, not the other way around. Investors seek markets that are stable and protected, rather than hoping their investments create those conditions.

    Previous US presidents have touted similar strategies without success. President William Howard Taft (1857-1930) championed “dollar diplomacy” in the early 20th century, promising that American investments would create stability across Latin America by “substituting dollars for bullets”.

    The reality proved quite different. Throughout this period, the US frequently used military force to protect oil interests in Latin America. But, because these interventions focused on extraction sites rather than defending entire countries, instability continued elsewhere in the region.

    Trump’s “America first” mantra suggests a similar pattern of defending American assets, and not necessarily the countries in which the assets reside.

    Second, the overall US commitment to protect American assets abroad is uncertain. The US has, since the end of the cold war, been selective about when and how it uses military force to protect overseas assets.

    Since 1991, the US military has intervened to protect American property in only four documented instances: Haiti in 2004, Lebanon in 2006, Egypt in 2011 and Yemen in 2012. These cases involved embassies and other smaller properties during periods of civil unrest, rather than defending economic interests.

    Recent presidents, including Trump, have been reluctant to use force to protect threatened American investments. US agribusiness giant Cargill, for example, had to close its operations in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region following Russia’s invasion in 2014.

    Building state capacity

    That said, economic relations with America can indeed bolster a partner state’s security. But my own research shows that this is largely through indirect channels, rather than the threat of military intervention.

    For example, US government departments, such as the US patent and trademark office, provide comprehensive training to partner states. Programmes involve training judges, police officers, prosecutors and policymakers to enforce intellectual property protections, administer land registries, combat counterfeiting and develop legal frameworks that protect investments.

    This capacity building not only helps American investors in these countries, but also improves the partner state’s overall capacity. More effective and capable bureaucracies are better able to manage and finance their military capabilities.

    Following Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine, the US launched the agriculture and rural development support program. The initiative aimed to develop Ukraine’s institutional capacity for managing property rights and attracting diverse investments.

    The US Treasury brought in loan advisory firm First Financial Network to help Ukraine navigate its financial crisis after the invasion, while simultaneously building frameworks for foreign investment.

    By 2020, this partnership facilitated US investment firm Allrise Capital’s purchase of Odessa’s Chornomorets football stadium. This deal was described by John Morris, the president of First Financial Network, as demonstrating Ukraine’s ability “to sell assets to the international community”.

    These efforts did not deter Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. But they helped the Ukrainian government implement several administrative reforms in the years leading up to the invasion, including more efficient tax collection and professionalisation of civil servants. The government was better prepared for war than it would otherwise have been.

    The Ukrainian and Russian armies have been locked in battle for over three years.
    Kutsenko Volodymyr / Shutterstock

    If the US wants to enhance Ukraine’s security through economic means, the Trump administration would need to make two drastic changes.

    First, it would need to reinstate programmes that promote American investment abroad. After assuming office, Trump froze and began dismantling the United States Agency for International Development (USAid). The agency’s capacity-building efforts have security consequences.

    Second, for the US to have both an economic and security impact, Trump needs to reassure America’s allies. Assurances are not Trump’s speciality. On February 26, for example, Trump declined to say whether the US would defend Taiwan if it was attacked by China.

    Research suggests that investments follow alliances. But markets do not care about agreements alone. They respond to other signals too, like explicit statements of support. These statements of support also help to reassure allies and deter rivals.

    Unless Trump changes how he operates on the international stage, the economics of the mineral deal will not help Ukraine’s security situation.

    Patrick E. Shea 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 a US minerals deal with Ukraine won’t deter Russian aggression – https://theconversation.com/why-a-us-minerals-deal-with-ukraine-wont-deter-russian-aggression-251436

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney’s Office Charges 46 Illegal Aliens with Various Offenses including Immigration Crimes, Drug Trafficking, Weapons Offenses, and Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Since January of this year, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has charged 46 aliens who were unlawfully present in the United States with offenses including illegal reentry into the United States, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and child pornography offenses. These aliens’ home countries include Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Venezuela. Several had prior convictions for human smuggling, drug trafficking, drunk driving, assault, and theft. In many cases, the aliens had been returned to their home country numerous times but have continued to violate immigration laws by re-entering the United States.

    Recent cases include:

    Hector Bejerano-Bejerano, a native of Mexico, was located at a gas station in Novi, Michigan, when he was creating a nuisance to customers. He was arrested and identified by United States Border Patrol and found to have two prior federal immigration convictions, including one in which Bejerano-Bejerano was caught smuggling three other illegal aliens into the United States from Mexico. During this encounter, Bejerano-Bejerano fled from a Border Patrol Agent and assaulted him. According to court filings in that case, Bejerano-Bejerano was encountered by Border Patrol 18 times during 2021 alone.

    Dulce Rubio-Rivera, a native of Mexico, was found in Detroit, Michigan, when agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Immigration and Customs Enforcement executed a federal search warrant at a house. Inside the house was Rubio-Rivera, along with drugs, a scale, ammunition and an AK-47 rifle. Rubio-Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 6.25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.

    Luis Fernando Santillan-Valderrabano, a native of Mexico, was located in the passenger seat of a vehicle in Detroit. Santillan-Valderrabano was originally admitted into the United States on a special visa that permitted him to stay in the United States for only 72 hours and within 25 miles of the United States-Mexico border. However, five months later Santillan-Valderrabano was arrested and pleaded guilty to theft charges in Georgia. A year after that, he was again arrested and convicted in Nebraska for resisting arrest and felony theft. Santillan-Valderrabano was removed back to Mexico in 2009, but illegally returned and was arrested in 2010 in Ithaca, Michigan, for a driving offense. Santillan-Valderrabano was removed again but tried to sneak back into the United States in 2011, was caught, and federally prosecuted in Texas for illegal entry. Santillan-Valderrabano was removed a third time in 2011, but again tried to illegally enter the United States, was caught, federally prosecuted in Texas for illegal reentry, and removed in 2012. In 2021, he was arrested in Wixom, Michigan, for driving 86 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone. During this encounter with police, he used a fake name and date of birth and failed to appear for his court hearing after being charged with reckless driving, providing false identification, and not having a vehicle operation license.

    Gustavo Placencia-Rosales, a native of Mexico who was unlawfully present in the United States, was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. The complaint alleges that agents with the DEA have been investigating Placencia-Rosales for involvement in drug trafficking actitivies. Law enforcement initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by Placenia-Rosales, with three others, and recovered four brick-shaped packages that field tested positive as cocaine along with two firearms.

    Luis Gerardo Rodriguez-Rey, a native of Columbia who was unlawfully present in the United States, was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  According to the complaint, officers with the River Rouge Police Department were on routine patrol when they encountered Rodriguez-Rey traveling at a high rate of speed in a vehicle which did not have any exterior lights illuminated.  A traffic stop was conducted and upon a search of his person and vehicle, officers recovered a Smith & Wesson pistol along with ammunition.

    Luis Angel Alvarez-Alvarez, a native of Venuzuela, was arrested by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol after agents stopped a vehicle that Alvarez-Alvarez was operating without a license plate.  Alvarez-Alvarez had a prior final order of removal at the time of the arrest.   During a search of his cellular device, officers discovered alleged child sexually abusive material.  Alvarez was charged with production and possession of child pornography and remains in custody pending the disposition of his charges.

    “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has a long-standing commitment to enforcing the immigrations laws of the United States, and that commitment is unwavering,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those individuals who are in our district unlawfully.”

    “These cases represent a fraction of the criminal aliens we and our federal partners arrest every day across the Detroit Sector that’s making this country safer than it was just a few short months ago,” said Detroit Sector Chief Patrol Agent John R. Morris. “I could not be more proud of our agents for their enforcement efforts as well as their ability to form strong bonds with our local, state and federal partnerships such as we see exemplified here with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

    “Keeping dangerous people and illicit drugs and weapons from infecting our communities is at the core of our comprehensive border security mandate,” said Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “The CBP Office of Field Operations is as committed as ever in protecting our homeland alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”

    “Our ICE Detroit officers will continue to secure our communities through the apprehension and arrest of criminal aliens and immigration violators,” said ICE ERO Detroit Field Office Director Robert Lynch. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we have been able to apprehend serious public safety threats from foreign sex offenders to drug traffickers and aliens in possession of illegal firearms.”

    “As the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, our agents are prioritizing investigations into bad actors who exploit our immigration system,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “From illegal aliens in possession of child sexually abusive material to dismantling human smuggling or trafficking rings, our ICE HSI team stands ready to safeguard the homeland alongside our partners.”

    “The men and women of DEA work hard – day in and day out – to protect families from the dangers and violence associated with drug trafficking in our communities,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton.  “In that vein, we have prioritized our drug investigations on those involving violent, illegal criminals responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with deadly and dangerous drugs. We will continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security and our federal partners with immigration enforcement efforts.”

    “ATF, along with our Department of Justice partners, stand side by side with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal law enforcement partners in their efforts to enforce immigration laws and protect public safety,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “We remain committed to supporting coordinated enforcement actions to uphold the rule of the law and ensure the security of our communities.”

    “Members of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, in collaboration with federal law enforcement partners—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol (CBP), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are actively investigating and apprehending individuals wanted for federal violations and those unlawfully present in the United States,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Michigan Division. “The FBI in Michigan remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the Constitution and ensure the safety and security of the American people.”

    A complaint/indictment is merely a formal charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  It is the burden of the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    These cases were investigated by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys in the National Security Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Lawyer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The defendant stole more than $2 million of client funds.

    Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby sentenced Matthew C. Browndorf, 54, of Irvine, California, to more than five years in federal prison for money laundering and wire fraud.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Edwin Bonano, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office Inspector General (FHFA-OIG). 

    According to the guilty plea, the defendant served as an attorney licensed to practice law in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and was a named partner at a law firm. Browndorf was also majority owner and CEO of Plutos Sama, LLC, which operated as a holding company for his various business endeavors. 

    Plutos Sama, with Browndorf signing the purchase agreement as a managing member, procured the Fisher Law Group.  After Plutos Sama acquired the Fisher Law Group, it changed the name to BP Fisher which served as an organization that represented lending and loan servicing clients in foreclosure proceedings.  The newly acquired company had agreements with its clients to facilitate the foreclosure of a property, take out its expenses, and then return the remaining money.

    BP Fisher also maintained an Interest on Lawyer’s Trust Account (IOLTA) and operating account, which the defendant oversaw. An IOLTA is maintained in a financial institution for the deposit of funds received or held by an attorney or law firm on behalf of a client or third person.  All funds received into an IOLTA account must be delivered in whole or in part to a client, unless received as payment for fees owed to the lawyer by the client or in reimbursement for expenses that the lawyer properly advanced on behalf of the client.

    Over several years, the defendant led clients to believe that they had immediate access to the money in the two BP Fisher IOLTA accounts. But Browndorf was directing employees to transfer the clients’ money into Plutos Sama accounts and other accounts that he controlled.  The scheme caused more than $2.4 million in losses to BP Fisher’s clients. Browndorf used the stolen funds to pay for expenses such as his American Express credit card bill, car-lease payment to Ferrari and Maserati of Newport Beach, and mortgage.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and FHFA-OIG for their work in this investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Sarma, Joshua Rosenthal, and Matthew Phelps, who prosecuted the federal case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How Heathpatch Farm expanded woodland to support wildlife and their business

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    Case study

    How Heathpatch Farm expanded woodland to support wildlife and their business

    Find out how the farm expanded expanded woodland to create a species-rich habitat, reduce farm pollution and benefit the farm business.

    Key facts

    • site: Heathpatch, Ipswich, Suffolk
    • size: 260 hectares of woodland, expanded by 8.5 hectares in 2022 to 2023, with a further 3 hectares planned for 2024
    • type and species mix: predominantly native broadleaf trees and shrubs, a mix of 25 species selected to increase resilience with future climate in mind, including: oak, wild cherry, small-leaved lime, hornbeam, hazel, alder, silver birch and Scots pine, plus a mix of non-native conifer (Corsican pine and western red cedar)
    • date planted: winter 2022-23
    • grant: England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)

    Main objective: to connect with existing woodland on site, creating a diverse habitat and wildlife corridors.

    Introduction

    Heathpatch is a 1,700 hectare farm 10 miles west of Ipswich. The farm includes 260 hectares of woodland, with a range of ages and species. Owned by the Buckle family, the farm is a traditional mix with a variety of crops, sheep and cattle, plus some equestrian land.

    Over the years, the farm has diversified and Heathpatch currently owns and runs a number of businesses, these include: manufacturing electro mechanical and electronic enclosures, renewable energy through anaerobic digestion, machinery sales including a wide range of forestry industry equipment, a brewery and a hospitality business consisting of a hotel, 2 pubs, and Nedging Hall Estate – a 10-bedroom country house and garden surrounded by the farm which is available for short lets.

    The farm itself has 145 hectares of woodland within 70 blocks, ranging from 0.5 to 11 hectares. The majority of these have been planted by the current owners. Two additional blocks of ancient woodland sit 5 miles away, Bonny Wood to the north and Raydon Wood to the south.

    Bonny Wood is a 15 hectare site, which is part of a larger woodland. Raydon Wood spans 99 hectares and has a disused railway line running through it. The wood was used by the US Airforce as an ammunition depot during the second world war to service the air defence and bombing campaign launched from East Anglia. At present, 2 full-time foresters work at Raydon Wood to convert a Plantations on Ancient Woodland Site to a working mixed woodland.

    The Buckle family is committed to woodland creation and management. They have added a remarkable 25 hectares of new woodland between 2020 and 2023, equating to a total of 45,000 young trees. This was with the support of Countryside Stewardship until 2021 and later with EWCO. The plan is to continue to expand woodland cover where it is most appropriate and to bring more of the existing woodland inventory into management.

    Creating a landscape that benefits wildlife

    Prior to the 1970s much of the tree and hedge cover in the area had been removed. Since the Buckles arrived in 1973, they have worked consistently to plant and restore the wooded landscape. Biodiversity and nature recovery have been their key drivers and several locations on the farm offer an impressive 360-degree view of woodland and hedges, all of which have been planted by the family.

    The planting over the years has always been majority native broadleaf trees together with a few conifers, in a largely agricultural landscape, and often with generous rides incorporated into the design to help increase suitable and diverse habitats for birds, mammals, and invertebrates.

    Planting alongside existing blocks of woodland or hedgerow has helped to connect habitats and provide wildlife corridors, supporting nature recovery and helping species to adapt to the changing climate. To complement the benefits of woodland creation and accelerate nature recovery, Heathpatch has created feeding plots for turtle doves and installed swift boxes on the farm; the boxes are complete with systems that play the calls swifts use when in their nest to help non-breeding swifts identify potential nest sites.

    The aquatic habitat and water quality of the River Brett which runs through the farm has been improved. Working closely with neighbouring landowners, this has been achieved with funding and operational support from the Environment Agency, Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stour Valley Project and Heathpatch.

    To date, over 60 features have been placed in the river and its tributaries to modify the water flow; these include gravel glides, berms (low level shelves constructed to restore the natural flow of the river), flow deflectors and flood plain connections. To complement these measures, 5 to 20 metre-wide stretches of the riverbank have been fenced off from livestock, with more planned in the future. Some riparian strips have been planted with suitable tree species, while other areas have been left to allow vegetation to colonise naturally.

    A leading pond ecologist has surveyed the farm ponds periodically since 2006: there are over 50 ponds in existence, plus several ‘ghost ponds’ – ponds that have disappeared over the years having either silted up or been deliberately filled in due to changes in agricultural practices. The surveys have informed a programme of works, which involves the removal of shade-casting vegetation where appropriate, dredging and restoration. When dredging, particularly in the ghost ponds, the hope is to find rare vegetation seeds, which have survived under layers of leaves and mud. Restoring existing ponds encourages greater biodiversity to return, which typically happens more quickly compared to creating entirely new ponds. That said, 7 completely new ponds have been created in the last 4 years, all within or adjacent to the 25 hectares of newly planted woodland.

    Significant numbers of invertebrates are already present at the sites, and in one location robins were spotted using a brash pile nearby one of the new ponds for nesting only 6 weeks after the pile was made.

    James Buckle, Owner, Heathpatch said:

    It is a delight to walk around the farm, within the woods and along the river and to see the improvements being built upon year on year… we were showing off the results to a group of interested parties last year and, right on cue, a kingfisher flew across! It is heartening to see the riot of nature responding to the changes made, even within such a short period of time.

    Reducing farm pollution and capturing carbon

    Most of the new woodland has replaced agricultural land, which was previously used for grazing, hay, or crops. This land use change will make the farm’s arable management less intensive and will reduce the use and application of herbicides and manufactured fertiliser across the catchment, reducing the farm’s overall pollution output.

    The new woodland is set to capture carbon and is registered with the Woodland Carbon Code. Heathpatch holds 2 contracts under the Woodland Carbon Guarantee (WCaG), providing the option to sell carbon credits to the government every 5 or 10 years up to 2055-56 for a guaranteed price that is index-linked for the life of the contract. The plan is to sell some of the carbon units, either to the government under WCaG or on the open market, and to use other units to offset the emissions from group activities.

    Woodland management for the benefit of the business

    The owners are conscious of the impact of agriculture on the environment and take pride in their farm – feeling responsible to create a balanced landscape that can enhance biodiversity and their business, while providing amenity. They have always recognised the importance of woodland in the landscape and understood the opportunities that come with active management – and although secondary to improving wildlife and biodiversity, the woodlands must meet commercial objectives.

    A range of edge species (typically shrubs or coppice species) have been planted around most of the woodland blocks forming a graduated edge to the internal species, some of which will be managed for long-term timber production.

    Traditional silvicultural management (the process of tending, harvesting, and regenerating) will produce firewood, coppice products and subsequently a timber yield. The timber will be milled and used internally or sold to local markets. Any firewood produced has a ready-made market in Heathpatch – destined for homes and hospitality venues nearby. An evolving local market for added-value coppice products is providing more opportunities to make this woodland work for the farm business and for the wider environment.

    Top tips

    1. Don’t plant woodland if you are not prepared to manage it.
    2. Consider natural regeneration if you have the patience.
    3. Rides can never be too wide and remember to leave ample space around ponds and other woodland features.
    4. Volunteers can be highly effective: we have discovered that many people in our community like to spend time helping in the woods and are keen to get stuck in; volunteer numbers are growing.

    Further information

    See the brochure version of this case study: Heathpatch Farm brochure (PDF, 8.42 MB, 4 pages).

    For guidance on woodland creation and information on grants and available support, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation: overview.

    Find out how other farmers and landowners are benefitting from woodland creation, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation case studies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments 2

    News story

    Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition 2025

    Created by the NPCC, Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition aims to highlight the vital contribution staff make to policing.

    Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition.

    This year, we took the opportunity to speak to a number of staff to gain an insight into their roles and personal achievements.  

    Vicki talked us through her role as Learning and Development (L&D) Business Partner.

    “As Learning and Development Business Partner, my role is to provide advice and guidance to the business on all aspects of learning and development, mainly in the areas of Leadership Development. I have responsibility for the senior leadership development programmes both within Force and via our partner agencies. I also hold the portfolio for our Digital Delivery, which includes all our eLearning packages, learning webinars and online learning content.

    “I’ve been with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) almost eight years, starting off in Police Officer Recruitment which gave me a great grounding into the life of our new officers. I transitioned into L&D five years ago having specialised in instructional design and training as part of my long career within Human Resources.

    “No two days are the same in this role, and I love the challenge that new projects, training delivery and online content bring. I’ve been involved in many new initiatives in the corporate training arena during my time here and have recently qualified as a Level 5 CMI Coaching Practitioner. This supports the work I do as well as giving me a good insight into the lives of my coachees and their challenges. The rewarding part of my job is supporting the wider organisation and enabling those on the front line to be their best and encouraging those who may not think they have the opportunity to develop to do just that!”

    Caitlin shared some of her experiences as Inspections Manager.

    “I joined in October 2022 as the Inspections Manager. Prior to this I was a secondary school teacher for 12 years, teaching History and English – first in Australia, then in Scotland. I have spent the past two years undertaking significant study to gain my Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification, and have been working with the Inspections and Assurance team to carry out our annual inspections plan which has included reviewing the Corporate Induction and the annual Operational Inspection.

    “The aspect of the role I enjoy the most is getting to learn more about the way the organisation works – especially when visiting the various Operational Policing Units (OPUs). I like to believe that the work we do can create positive change as well, no matter how small.

    “Some of the highlights of my career have been some of the work I’ve been able to do outside my role with the CNC, including working with the Violence against women and girls (VAWG) team to introduce a range of initiatives. The one I am proudest of is establishing the CNC’s Domestic Abuse Contacts network so we can better support people in our organisation who are experiencing domestic abuse.”

    Kay spoke about her role as Vetting Officer.

    “After serving 31 years as an officer, I retired in 2021. I became Police staff as an intelligence officer in the South East Regional organised crime unit (SEROCU) for two years before returning to the online child abuse team within Thames Valley Police, where my role was to identify victims of online abuse.

    “I started working with CNC as a vetting officer six months ago as for my own mental health, I needed to move away from the subject matter which I had specialised in for much of my career. Police vetting was very much in the spotlight on a National basis which I found interesting.

    “Vetting is evolving and I am constantly learning. Since the day I joined, everyone in my team has been supportive and helpful – answering every question I have (and there have been many!). It is a great team to work with.

    “Surrounding yourself with good people is key to staying resilient and motivated when facing tough times. I have been very fortunate in my career to work with fantastic teams and that has continued with the CNC.”

    Speaking about the importance of Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition, Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: “Police staff are an essential part of the team, performing vital roles, and we could not function without them.

    “It is great to see that there is now a Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition, dedicated to highlighting and acknowledging the incredible and valuable work our police staff colleagues carry out.

    “Understandably in an armed police force, the emphasis is often on the front-line, however, we should use this week to pause and reflect on the fact that without police staff, we would not have a front-line. Officers would not be recruited, trained, paid, equipped, deployed, and their wellbeing looked after without the police staff element of the overall CNC team.

    “So, to all our police staff colleagues – thank you for your outstanding contribution to our mission and to our success as an organisation”.

    Learn more about life in the CNC as a member of police staff and browse our current opportunities on our jobs website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Northfield Capital Champions Canadian Craftsmanship With Spirit of York Distillery Co., the Official Gin of Live Nation In Ontario

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northfield Capital Corporation (TSX-V: NFD.A) (“Northfield” or the “Corporation”), a proudly Canadian-owned investment company, is reaffirming its commitment to Canadian industry and craftsmanship through its strategic leadership and ownership of Spirit of York Distillery Co. (or “Spirit of York”). Rooted in national pride, Spirit of York is setting the benchmark for premium Canadian spirits, sourcing 100% of its ingredients – including heritage grains and pristine water – from within Canada.

    As the Official Gin of Live Nation Canada, Inc. in Ontario (or “Live Nation”), Spirit of York is taking center stage at some of the province’s most iconic music venues and festivals. This three-year partnership, launched in 2024, brings Spirit of York Premium Gin to concertgoers at four major music festivals and eight Live Nation venues across Ontario, including Toronto’s legendary Budweiser Stage. The partnership is highlighted by The Garden, an immersive, botanical-inspired lounge at the foot of the venue’s Lakehouse. Designed to embody the 15 botanicals infused in Spirit of York’s handcrafted gin, The Garden provides an elegant and inviting space where fans can enjoy Canada’s finest spirits in a setting that celebrates nature and music.

    “At a time when supporting Canadian businesses has never been more important, we take immense pride in producing a world-class gin that is not only made in Canada but made of Canada,” said Michael Leskovec, CEO of Spirit of York. “Our partnership with Live Nation is a powerful way to bring our brand to the forefront of cultural experiences while championing Canadian agriculture, craftsmanship, and industry.”

    A Spirit Born from the Heart of Canadian Agriculture

    Spirit of York’s commitment to quality starts with its ingredients, all of which are sourced exclusively from Canadian farmers. Every bottle begins with rye grown in the fertile fields of Ontario by multi-generational family farms that have helped shape Canada’s agricultural legacy. The grains are carefully selected to ensure the highest quality, maintaining the purity and richness of the land they come from. Combined with Canada’s famously pristine water sources, these raw materials form the foundation of Spirit of York’s handcrafted spirits, delivering an authentically Canadian taste experience.

    By sourcing directly from local farmers, Spirit of York not only guarantees premium quality but also strengthens Canada’s agricultural economy, supporting Canadian jobs and ensuring the sustainability of local grain production. This dedication to homegrown ingredients is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to producing spirits that are truly, unmistakably Canadian.

    Northfield Capital remains committed to investing in and advancing Canadian enterprises that drive economic growth and preserve national craftsmanship. Spirit of York exemplifies this vision – an uncompromising dedication to quality, sustainability, and local sourcing that supports Canadian farmers, distillers, and workers.

    As the demand for premium, authentically Canadian products rises, Northfield Capital and Spirit of York are proud to lead the charge, ensuring that consumers have access to superior, locally made spirits that stand apart in a global market.

    For more information, please visit www.northfieldcapital.com and www.spiritofyork.com.

    About Northfield Capital Corporation

    Northfield Capital Corporation is a publicly traded, leading Canadian investment firm with deep roots in resources, mining, aviation, and premium alcoholic beverages. Founded in 1981 by Robert D. Cudney, Northfield combines decades of experience with forward-thinking strategies to unlock opportunities across its diverse portfolio. The company is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation in businesses that drive economic prosperity in Canada.

    About Spirit of York Distillery Co.

    Spirit of York Distillery Co. is a premium Canadian spirits producer based in Toronto’s historic Distillery District. Committed to excellence, the distillery sources 100% of its ingredients from Canadian farms and uses traditional distillation methods to craft its award-winning gin, vodka, and other spirits. Every bottle is a reflection of Canada’s rich agricultural heritage, proudly made in Canada, for Canada.

    For further information, please contact:

    Michael G. Leskovec, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (416) 628-5940

    Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is identified by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions, including references to assumptions. Such information may relate to, but is not limited to, the expected impact of the partnership between Spirit of York Distillery Co. and Live Nation, anticipated market reception and brand growth, the Corporation’s ongoing commitment to Canadian agriculture and craftsmanship, and potential future economic conditions, including tariffs, affecting the Canadian spirits industry. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changes in consumer preferences, regulatory developments, economic conditions and penalties such as tariffs, supply chain disruptions, competitive dynamics in the spirits industry, and external market factors impacting Northfield’s and Spirit of York’s operations. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially due to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Northfield Capital Corporation and Spirit of York Distillery Co. disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –