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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Volunteers help to spruce up York

    Source: City of York

    Published Tuesday, 10 June 2025

    City of York Council joined York BID and over 20 volunteers today, 10 June, to roll up their sleeves and help spruce up York city centre, as part of their rejuvenation days.

    This community-powered project is all about bringing a little extra shine to our streets by cleaning and repainting street furniture like bike racks, benches, bollards and more.

    Since the York BID led project launched in January 2024, the response has been incredible. Over 300 brilliant volunteers have given up their time to repaint 1,100 pieces of individual infrastructure across 57 different streets.

    Before the painting begins, the dedicated BID Street Cleaning Team will prep the area by power washing, cleaning away weeds, and removing stickers and posters.

    Council teams helped to tackle the more stubborn bits, and get them properly refreshed.

    Sessions are taking place throughout June, and if volunteers can’t make it, they can sign up early for a September session.

    Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:

    I was really pleased to join all the volunteers, council crews and BID team again, this time smartening up College Green. They’ve all done a great job and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part. Rejuvenation days are a great way to bring communities together and make a real difference to where we live. Together we can all help make York shine”

    Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, said:

    Since we started this project, we’ve been blown away by the support and enthusiasm from businesses, residents, and community groups. Over 300 people have already got stuck in and it’s been brilliant to see everyone come together to make our city centre a cleaner and more welcoming space. We can’t wait to see what the next few months bring!”

    There are lots of volunteer opportunities through the council to build pride in place, by contacting environmentandcommunity@york.gov.uk.

    Sign up now and be part of something special or contact info@theyorkbid.com for more information.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City centre to get improvements including greening the area

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Surplus money from bus lane and LEZ fines is to be used to fund several city centre projects including a major one to green the area.

    Aberdeen City Council’s Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee agreed the moves at a meeting today.

    Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “We are working to make the city centre an even better place for people to spend time. Improvements to street lighting, and to the city centre environment help achieve that.”

    Net Zero, Environment, and Transport vice-convenor Miranda Radley added: “The budget allocated today will allow the Council, working with partners, to brighten the city centre, improve pedestrian access and encourage more people to enjoy the space we have in the city centre.” 

    The Council’s Finance and Resources Committee approved in March the funding surplus for bus lane enforcement of £2,635,268 and LEZ £669,000 and that the projects would be agreed by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee.

    The report to committee said discussions have been ongoing with partners such as Aberdeen Inspired to identify impactful projects that could be progressed and be aligned to the delivery of the wider City Centre Masterplan, using the bus lane enforcement money. These include:

    • £200,000 for lighting improvements;
    • £300,000 for Guild Street improvement which to enhance the pedestrian environment around Guild Street in particular, and to improve journeys and wayfinding between Union Square and Union Street. This could also include exploring additional bus stops on Guild Street.

    In March 2025, Council agreed to spend £200,000 to support the re-establishment of a bicycle rental scheme in Aberdeen to be funded from the LEZ surplus. Discussions have been ongoing with partners and the Council’s Environmental Manager to consider projects that could be progressed at this time. These include:

    • Our Union Street Greening/People Project: £61,000. This would be in Union Street West (Union Terrace to Dee Street) with areas of new planting (the plants would be selected on the basis of their air quality and climate change benefits) and seating. The project would involve working with H.M.P. Grampian and the Our Union Street “volunteer army” to construct, plant and maintain the structures;
    • City Centre Greening, Growing and Buzzing: £60,000. This project would include a range of initiatives such as: reinstating urban bees into the city centre, additional floral enhancement via provision of year-round hanging baskets and investigation of additional green bus shelters. This project would be undertaken in partnership between Aberdeen Inspired.

    An additional £71,000 was also allocated by Committee today under the ‘Greening the City Centre’ theme.

    Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are grateful to Aberdeen City Council for its continued engagement and support on ways to improve the city centre to attract more footfall and help boost the economy. 

    “We look forward to working with the council on any and all initiatives to help regenerate the heart of the Granite City.”

    Bob Keillor, of Our Union Street, said: “This is excellent news and we look forward to working with Aberdeen City Council colleagues to bring much needed colour and greenery to a section of Union Street. Our army of volunteers “The Street Union” will be delighted too as they have seen the difference that their cleanup efforts are making every week.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Perry Hall rated Good with Outstanding features

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Inspectors visited the school in April and, in their report published recently, describe Perry Hall as a ‘happy and welcoming school’ where ‘pupils feel safe and flourish in its supportive atmosphere.’

    Staff ‘take the time to get to know pupils and their families well’, meaning that, from Early Years onwards, ‘pupils thrive in this nurturing environment’.

    Staff have ‘high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and academic success’. Pupils ‘achieve well across a range of subjects’ and are ‘respectful to staff, visitors and each other’.

    The school has developed a ‘broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum’ which pupils learn well while an effective reading programme with ‘high quality phonics teaching’ means ‘pupils quickly develop the skills that they need to become fluent, confident and independent readers’.

    Children follow clear routines, ‘listen carefully to one another and treat each other with kindness’, which gives them ‘an exceptionally strong foundation to behave positively and collaborate together’. As a result, children are ‘very well prepared’ for the next stage of their education.

    Staff identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) effectively, and pupils are able to successfully progress through the curriculum and to ‘achieve well because staff make useful adaptations to the curriculum where necessary’.

    The provision for pupils’ personal development is ‘effective and underpinned by the school’s values’, while a wide range of before and after school clubs ‘cater for many interests’. Pupils also benefit from a range of educational visits to enhance their learning and older pupils are ‘keen to take on roles of responsibility that allow them to make a positive contribution to their school’.

    Leaders ‘understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school’ and are ambitious in developing their school and supporting pupils in achieving well. The school prioritises staff well being and fosters a supportive environment, which staff members appreciate. Meanwhile, governors provide ‘appropriate challenge and support for school leaders’.

    Inspectors concluded that the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management at Perry Hall Primary is Good, and that its Early Years provision is Outstanding.

    Andrew Brocklehurst, Chair of Trustees at Perry Hall Multi-Academy Trust, said: “I am absolutely delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievement of Perry Hall Primary School. The dedication, talent, and teamwork shown by our incredible staff and wonderful children make us all extremely proud.

    “I know everyone will join me in sending heartfelt congratulations to the entire school community – staff, children, and parents alike. Thank you to each and every one of you for your part in this success. Together, we are creating something truly special and making a lasting, positive difference in our community.”

    Headteacher Lee Fellows added: “This wonderful outcome is a true reflection of the passion, perseverance, and teamwork of everyone involved. Every part of our school community – children, staff, parents, governors, and the Trust – has played a vital role in reaching this milestone.

    “The commitment to Perry Hall shines through in every aspect of this achievement, and I want to extend a sincere thank you to all who have contributed. It’s a proud moment for us all and a clear sign of what we can accomplish together.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, added: “I would like to congratulate Lee Fellows and all the team at Perry Hall on this excellent inspection report, which demonstrates high quality provision across the school and particularly within Early Years, which inspectors found to be Outstanding.”

    Data shows that 97% of schools in Wolverhampton are currently rated either Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, the highest ever.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Search continues for Victorian man at Cradle Mountain

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Search continues for Victorian man at Cradle Mountain

    Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – 3:12 pm.

    A search at Cradle Mountain today involving police officers, SES volunteers, a helicopter crew and drone operators has yet to locate Victorian man Christopher Inwood.
    Mr Inwood, 52, is believed to have been in the Cradle Mountain area since Monday night and police have concerns for his welfare.
    His white Toyota HiAce van was found in the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road on Tuesday morning. A backpack which police believe may belong to Mr Inwood was found 500m away from the ranger station, in a direction heading to Dove Lake.
    Search efforts today have involved four officers from Tasmania Police Search and Rescue, four State Emergency Service volunteers, a wilderness paramedic, two police drone operators and a helicopter team of two police officers and a paramedic.
    The helicopter team has landed to check huts and emergency shelters along the Overland Track and also conducted wider aerial searches of the northern section of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
    Foot patrols have focused on walking tracks and bushland spanning out from the ranger station where Mr Inwood’s vehicle was found parked. (pictures attached)
    Weather conditions at Cradle Mountain today have been clear although cold, with the temperature at 3pm around 5C. Overnight temperatures have been below freezing.
    Mr Inwood was last seen in Kindred on Monday about 8.30pm and police believe he drove to Cradle Mountain later that night.
    Anyone who has information that could assist police locate Mr Inwood is urged to call 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Treatment of intensive care patients with disinfectants increases risk of infection A routine disinfection procedure commonly used when admitting patients to intensive care units (ICU) can increase ‘superbug’ infections according to new research from the University of Aberdeen.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    A routine disinfection procedure commonly used when admitting patients to intensive care units (ICU) can increase ‘superbug’ infections according to new research from the University of Aberdeen.
    The study compared bloodstream infections in ICU patients who experienced different types of disinfection when admitted.
    The results showed that the ‘universal disinfection’ of all patients admitted to ICU was linked to the rise of superbug – ‘methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis’ (MRSE) bloodstream infections in vulnerable patients.
    The results are published today, June 11, 2025, in Lancet Microbe
    Universal decolonisation refers to the disinfection of all patients admitted to ICUs and was introduced during the MRSA epidemic in the 1990’s to attempt to control healthcare-associated infections. However, hospital infections and how they respond to antibiotics are known to change over time. This is why the team, led by Professor Karolin Hijazi, sought to re-evaluate the benefits and unintended harms of these infection control practices, particularly for those disinfectants implicated in rise of antimicrobial resistance.
    During universal decolonisation, when patients are admitted to ICU their whole body is disinfected with an antimicrobial called chlorhexidine – a disinfectant also widely used to disinfect medical devices and hospital surfaces. Patients also receive nasal treatment with another disinfectant called mupirocin.
    Currently, there is inconsistency in disinfection practices across hospitals in the UK with some hospitals adopting the universal decolonisation of all patients, whilst others employ a more targeted and risk-based approach of decolonisation of only those patients who have tested positive for MRSA. This means that much larger volumes of the disinfectants chlorhexidine and mupirocin are used in hospitals that practice universal decolonisation.
    The team compared the bloodstream infection type and resistance rates of patients over 13 years across two intensive care units in Scotland practicing the different decolonisation approaches and found that universal decolonisation practices were related to increased MRSE infections compared to a targeted approach.
    Professor Hijazi Chair in Oral & Maxillofacial Medicine at the University of Aberdeen, who led the study explains their findings: “We found that the drastic reduction of disinfectant when using targeted decolonisation of only MRSA-positive patients reduced bloodstream infections related to MRSE. Whilst MRSE is generally not life-threatening, this data is a concern as MRSE increases the burden of circulating antimicrobial resistance.
    “However, reducing disinfectant did not increase all bloodstream infections from serious pathogens. This means that universal decolonisation is not superior to more sparing and targeted approaches in controlling serious bloodstream infections.
    “This research essentially demonstrates that the excess use of disinfectants in universal decolonisation offered no advantage in terms of control of serious blood infections in a low MRSA ICU setting but instead caused the unintended rise of MRSE bloodstream infections.
    “Universal decolonisation is associated with greater risks of antimicrobial resistance and costs at no increased benefit. “According to the findings of our study, in low MRSA settings universal decolonisation is likely an unnecessary and harmful practice.”
    The authors suggest that hospitals should consider the unintended harms of universal decolonisation, particularly in the context of global rise of antimicrobial resistance.
    Professor Hijazi adds: “As the landscape of hospital infections changes over time, it is imperative to re-evaluate the benefits and unintended harms of all antimicrobial treatments including disinfection practices. This is particularly important for disinfectants implicated in antimicrobial resistance.
    “Our research aligns with the top 10 research priorities of the ‘five-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance’ set out by the UK government, agencies and administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland UK, which called to strengthen the evidence of the role of biocides in driving antimicrobial resistance.
    “Our study fits squarely with this commitment and should inform standardised national guidelines for effective and safe patient decolonisation in low MRSA settings.
    “Skin decolonisation must effectively control hospital infections whilst minimising emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance which is ‘the silent pandemic’ of our times.
    “Skin decolonisation of hospital patients is also very costly as it must be prescribed by specialist medical staff and administered by trained nurses. So we anticipate significant cost savings associated with efforts to reduce and avoid this practice where not necessary.”
    Professor Marco Oggioni from the University of Bologna who contributed to the research added: “Antimicrobial stewardship and other measures for infection prevention are our most powerful tools to contrast the global emergency of antimicrobial drug resistance, but this should never hinder our critical re-evaluation of the instruments we utilise to achieve our goals.”
    Professor Ian Gould, Honorary Professor at the University of Aberdeen concluded: “This timely study is the culmination of 25 years’ work in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
    “The original study was borne out of an initial response to control a nationwide epidemic of MRSA, the original superbug, by using universal decolonization.
    “We have subsequently learned to use antibiotics cautiously but this important study provides the firmest evidence yet that antiseptics and disinfectants, which are also commonly misused, should be subject to the same restrictions.”
    This study was funded by NHS Grampian Charity, and was a collaboration with Dundee University, Ninewells Hospital, Leicester University and the University of Bologna.
    ENDS

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Josh Hazlewood returns for WTC final against South Africa

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting for Australia and Josh Hazlewood has been selected in the bowling line-up for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, captain Pat Cummins said on the eve of the game on Tuesday.

    Labuschagne has been moved up the order to accommodate the return of Cameron Green, who underwent back surgery in October and was ruled out of the home season, while Hazlewood is fit again after a calf injury to replace of Scott Boland.

    “Cam Green has been coming back in great form in the last few weeks and we thought he deserved a spot in the batting lineup. We thought three probably suits him best,” Cummins told a press conference.

    “For Marnus moving one spot up, it’s not too different to batting at three. He’s done well here in England in the past.”

    Leaving out Boland, who had been one of the heroes of Australia’s 3-1 test series win over India this year, had been a difficult decision.

    “There are some guys where you genuinely say, you’ve done nothing wrong, don’t change a thing and that’s Scotty. He is just really unfortunate to miss out.

    “The message to Scotty is there’s a lot of test cricket coming up in the next couple of years and just because your mid-30s doesn’t mean that’s the end of your career.

    “By having a squad of fast bowlers, hopefully we can extend all our care for an extra couple of years.”

    An element of selection criteria was to reward those who had contributed to defending champions Australia winning 13 of 19 tests in the two-year WTC cycle and reaching yet another final.

    “I think our selectors have probably shown you that they’re happy and they’d rather give someone an extra little run than pull the pin too early. I think it’s partly rewarding those guys that got us here.”

    Cummings said defending the title was high on the Australian priority list, even after all their success in the limited-overs formats.

    “It’s a trophy we’ve spoken a lot about over the last couple of years. “Test cricket is my favourite format. You’ve got to basically win in all different conditions to make it into this final. If we can retain that mace, that’s a pretty awesome thing for this team.”

    Australia team: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police continue search for missing man Kyle

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are continuing their search for missing man Kyle in the far north of South Australia.

    Kyle was last seen about midday on Sunday 1 June at Arkaroola.

    Kyle, 39, is about 180 cm tall, with a slim build and chin-length dreadlocks.

    He is believed to be driving a white 2023 Toyota Hiace rental van with South Australian registration S129CWL.

    The van was last seen in the area just after 6am on Monday 2 June.

    Since he was reported missing, police and emergency services have been searching the area where he was last seen, including the area between Arkaroola and Yunta, where Kyle is believed to have driven the van between 30 May and 1 June 2025.

    PolAir and extra patrols have been searching the area but have been unable to locate him.

    Police have concerns for Kyle’s welfare and anyone who sees him or his van is asked to call police immediately on 131 444.

    Please quote reference number 149686.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Motorists reminded of dangers of drink driving following crash in Kingborough area

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Motorists reminded of dangers of drink driving following crash in Kingborough area

    Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – 1:17 pm.

    Police are reminding motorists of the dangers of drink driving following a crash in the Kingborough area last week.
    “On 5 June, police attended a single vehicle crash on Baretta Road at Baretta where a motorist had allegedly fallen asleep while driving after consuming alcohol,” said Constable Hollie Barwick.
    “The driver had veered onto the left side of the road and collided with a cluster of trees which caused extensive damage to the vehicle and enabled the automatic crash detection to alert emergency personnel.”
    “Police attended and the driver allegedly recorded a reading of 0.146 – more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in their system whilst driving a motor vehicle.”
    Luckily the driver, a 51-year-old man from Cygnet, was not injured.
    He was charged with drive a motor vehicle while exceeding prescribed alcohol limit and will appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court in September.
    “This driver was extremely lucky that he didn’t kill or seriously injure himself or someone else on the roads,” said Constable Hollie Barwick.
    “Drink driving is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ contributing factors to fatal and serious injury crashed on our roads and it’s lucky this crash didn’t have a devastating outcome.”
    Police urge all drivers to remember the fatal five and follow them every time you travel on the roads:

    Obey the speed limit – it’s there for a reason.
    Never drive after drinking or taking drugs – you’ll be putting more than your life on the line.
    Pay attention – one moment of distraction is all it takes to cause a crash.
    Rest if you’re tired – arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
    Buckle up every person in the vehicle – seatbelts save lives.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor’s win at the 2025 federal election was the biggest since 1943, with its largest swings in the cities

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    We now have the (almost!) final results from the 2025 federal election – with only Bradfield still to be completely resolved.

    Labor won 94 of the 150 House of Representatives seats (up 17 from 77 of 151 in 2022), the Coalition 43 (down 15) and all Others 13 (down three). It also won 62.7% of seats, its highest seat share since 1943, when it won 49 of 75 seats (65.3% of seats).

    Since the beginning of the two-party system in 1910, the 28.7% of seats for the Coalition is the lowest ever seat share for the Liberal and National parties combined, or their predecessors. The Coalition had won 23 of the 75 seats in 1943, its previous worst result (30.7% of seats).

    The Poll Bludger said on Wednesday the Liberals could lodge a court challenge to their 26-vote loss in Bradfield to Teal Nicolette Boele within 40 days of the official declaration of the poll (return of the writs).

    Owing to the possibility of a challenge in Bradfield, the Australian Electoral Commission does not want to disturb the ballot papers, which would be required for a Labor vs Liberal two-party count in Bradfield. A two-party count may not be completed until after the courts rule on any Liberal challenge.

    This article has two-party votes and swings nationally, in metropolitan and non-metropolitan seats and in every state and territory. I will report the current AEC figures, but the Bradfield issue means they will overstate Labor slightly nationally, in metropolitan seats and in New South Wales.

    Labor won the national two-party vote against the Coalition by 55.28–44.72, a 3.1% swing to Labor since the 2022 election. This is also Labor’s biggest two-party share since 1943, when they won by an estimated 58.2–41.8. Since the 2019 election, which the Coalition won by 51.5–48.5, Labor has had a swing to it of 6.8%.

    The last time either major party won a higher seat share than Labor at this election was in 1996, when the Coalition won 94 of the 148 seats (63.5% of seats) on a national two-party vote of 53.6–46.4. The last time a major party exceeded Labor’s two-party share at this election was in 1975, when the Coalition won by 55.7–44.3.

    Swing to Labor was bigger in cities

    The AEC has breakdowns for metropolitan and non-metropolitan seats. Metropolitan seats include seats in the six state capitals, Canberra and Darwin. In these seats, Labor won the two-party vote by 60.7–39.3, a 4.1% swing to Labor. In non-metropolitan seats, the Coalition won the two-party by 52.3–47.7, a 1.8% swing to Labor.

    In 2019, Labor won the two-party vote in metropolitan seats by 52.1–47.9, so the two-election swing to Labor in those seats was 8.6%. The Coalition won the two-party vote in non-metropolitan seats by 56.8–43.2, so the two-election swing to Labor was 4.5%.

    In April 2022, I wrote that Labor could do better in future elections because Australia’s big cities have a large share of the overall population. At this election, voters in metropolitan seats made up 58.3% of all voters. The Coalition will need to do much better in the cities to win future elections.

    In all the mainland states, the swing to Labor in the cities exceeded the swing in the regions. In global elections in the last ten years, support for left-wing parties has held up better in cities than elsewhere.

    Tasmania was the big exception to this rule. In non-metropolitan Tasmanian seats, Labor won the two-party vote by 59.0–41.0, an 11.8% swing to Labor. In metropolitan seats, Labor won by 70.1–29.9, a 4.7% swing to Labor.

    State and territory results

    The table below shows the number of seats in a state or territory and nationally, the number won by Labor, the Labor percent of the seats, the number of Labor gains, the Labor two-party vote share, the two-party swing to Labor since 2022, the number of Other seats, the change in Other seats and the number of Coalition seats.

    I have ignored redistributions, with Labor gains calculated as the number of seats Labor won in 2025 minus the number it won in 2022. Labor gained Aston at an April 2023 byelection, then held it at this election. As it was not won by Labor in 2022, it counts as a Labor gain.

    In Queensland, Labor gained seven seats, five from the Liberal National Party (including Peter Dutton’s Dickson) and two from the Greens. But these gains came from a low base, as Labor won just five of 30 Queensland seats in 2022. Queensland remains the only state where the Coalition won the two-party vote (by 50.6–49.4) and won a majority of the seats.

    In NSW, Teal independent-held North Sydney was abolished in the redistribution, but Teal Boele gained Bradfield from the Liberals, and the Nationals lost Calare to former Nationals MP turned independent Andrew Gee. Labor also gained two seats from the Liberals.

    In Victoria, Labor-held Higgins was abolished, but Labor gained three seats from the Liberals and one from the Greens (Adam Bandt’s Melbourne). The Coalition gained its one seat when Liberal Tim Wilson narrowly defeated Teal Zoe Daniel in Goldstein.

    In Western Australia, Bullwinkel was created as a notional Labor seat, and Labor held it. Labor also gained Moore from the Liberals. In South Australia and Tasmania, Labor gained three seats from the Liberals. Tasmania’s 9.0% swing to Labor was the biggest of any state or territory.

    Before the election, it was expected Victoria would be a drag on Labor owing to the unpopularity of the state Labor government. Labor took 71% of Victoria’s seats and had a 1.5% two-party swing to it.

    However, relative to the national swing, Victoria was poor for Labor, and it was only ahead of WA and the Northern Territory in swing terms at this election. In 2022, there was a huge 10.6% swing to Labor in WA, so Victoria’s two-election swing to Labor was much lower than anywhere else except the NT.

    The ACT’s two-party swing of 5.5% to Labor followed a 5.3% swing in 2022. With two senators, a quota for election is one-third or 33.3%. If the ACT’s two senators keep going to the left, it will be difficult for the Coalition to avoid a hostile Senate even if they win elections for the House.

    Other election results and a Morgan poll

    In the previous parliament, the 16 Others included four Greens, but the 13 Others at this election include only one Green. This will make the Others more right-wing than in the last parliament.

    Turnout at this election was 90.7% of enrolled voters, up 0.9% since 2022. But the informal rate rose 0.4% to 5.6%. The informal rate was 13% or higher in five western Sydney seats.

    A large share of non-English speakers, confusion with NSW’s optional preferential voting system at state elections and long candidate lists all contributed to the high informal vote rate at this election.

    A national Morgan poll, conducted May 5 to June 1 from a sample of 5,128, gave Labor a 58.5–41.5 lead, from primary votes of 37% Labor, 31% Coalition, 11.5% Greens, 6% One Nation and 14.5% for all Others. Labor led in all states including Queensland, the only state the Coalition won at the election.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Labor’s win at the 2025 federal election was the biggest since 1943, with its largest swings in the cities – https://theconversation.com/labors-win-at-the-2025-federal-election-was-the-biggest-since-1943-with-its-largest-swings-in-the-cities-258402

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Some economists have called for a radical ‘global wealth tax’ on billionaires. How would that work?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Venkat Narayanan, Senior Lecturer – Accounting and Tax, RMIT University

    Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock

    Earlier this year, I attended a housing conference in Sydney. The event’s opening address centred on the way Australia seems to be becoming like 18th-century England – a country where inheritance largely determines one’s opportunities in life.

    There has been a lot of media coverage of economic inequities in Australian society. Our tax system has been partly blamed for this problem. The case for long-term, visionary tax reform has never been stronger. And one area of tax reform could be a wealth tax.

    First, let’s be clear about one thing. Unlike the superannuation tax reforms currently being debated for those with more than A$3 million in superannuation, the wealth tax we’re talking about would apply to a very different cohort: billionaires.

    A recent article in the Financial Times re-examined a proposal to impose such a tax on the world’s highest-net-worth individuals. It also pointed out these efforts would need to be globally coordinated.

    Such taxes could collect significant sums of money for governments. It’s previously been estimated a billionaire tax could raise US$250 billion (more than A$380 billion) globally if just 2% of the net worth of the world’s billionaires was taxed each year.

    The case for a wealth tax

    Inequality is on the rise and the argument for a wealth tax can’t be ignored – not least here at home. According to the Australia Institute, the wealth of Australia’s richest 200 people has soared as a percentage of our national gross domestic product (GDP) – from 8.4% in 2004 to 23.7% in 2024.

    If that sounds dramatic, the picture is far worse in the United States. So, what would a wealth tax look like in Australia (noting that in reality a globally coordinated effort would be needed)?

    The starting point for this is understanding of why high-net-worth individuals seemingly pay very low taxes.

    High net worth, low tax rate

    Income taxes only take into account any amounts that are received in the hands of the taxpayer – whether that is a company, a person or a trust.

    Most high-net-worth individuals do not receive much income directly but “store” their wealth in companies and other corporate structures.

    In Australia, the maximum applicable tax rate for companies is 30%. Note that the highest tax rate in Australia for individuals is 45% plus the 2% medicare levy, effectively 47%.

    Assets such as real estate may also be held by companies or trusts, and the increase in value of these assets is not taxed until they are sold (through capital gains tax).

    Even then, those gains may not be paid out directly to the high-net-worth individual who owns these entities.

    Unrealised gains

    So, how do we tax wealth that is sitting in various businesses (company structures) or other entities, but isn’t taxed at present because the “income” or “gains” from these are not taxable in the hands of the wealthy individuals who own them?

    This goes into the murky area of taxation of unrealised gains. Here, we need to tread very carefully. But we also need to recognise that we already do this, albeit rather subtly, and most of us are not billionaires.

    In your rates notice from your local council, for example, the increase in value of your residence or investment property is used to calculate your rates.

    The real difficulty, to carry on with this example, is that your residence or investment property is typically held in your name and so the tax can be directly levied on you.

    A luxury residence in Miami Beach, Florida, owned by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. The US is home to the most billionaires of any country in the world.
    Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock

    Making tax unavoidable

    As we’ve already explained, the bulk of the assets or net worth of wealthy individuals is not directly attributable to them. Does this mean we should give up altogether?

    Not quite. UNSW professor Chris Evans has pointed out that while we may not be able to effectively tax all the net worth of the wealthy, there are some things we can tax and they can’t avoid it.

    An obvious example is real estate. You can pack your bags and bank accounts and move to a low-tax country, but you can’t move your mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour.

    Real estate, both residential and commercial, provides one clear way in which we could implement a partial wealth tax. This method (which also has fewer valuation issues than value stored in a company in the form of retained profits) also counters the argument that the wealthy will simply move to other jurisdictions that won’t tax them.

    There is plenty of academic research looking at various wealth tax initiatives in other countries. We should learn from these, including the experience in Switzerland and Sweden.

    In Sweden, for instance, research found the behavioural effects of wealth taxation were less pronounced than those of income taxation, but the system had so many loopholes that evasion was an option for some people.

    Change faces headwinds

    In a very uncertain world that features ongoing wars and an unpredictable US president, any change that seeks to address issues of inequity is going to be met with resistance by those who hold power.

    Some billionaires in the US, however, have expressed their support for being taxed more in a letter signed by heirs to the Disney and Rockefeller fortunes. That offers some hope, and suggests the discussion about wealth taxes should not be relegated to the “too hard” basket.

    Some steps towards taxing the uber-rich would be better than the status quo.

    Venkat Narayanan 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. Some economists have called for a radical ‘global wealth tax’ on billionaires. How would that work? – https://theconversation.com/some-economists-have-called-for-a-radical-global-wealth-tax-on-billionaires-how-would-that-work-257632

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dortmund sign Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland

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

    Borussia Dortmund has confirmed the signing of English midfielder Jobe Bellingham from Premier League side Sunderland, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

    The 19-year-old has signed a contract until June 2030 and will join the squad traveling to the United States later this week for the FIFA Club World Cup.

    Bellingham, who has played for the England U21 squad, follows in the footsteps of his older brother Jude, who played for Dortmund between 2020 and 2023 before moving to Real Madrid.

    Like Jude, Jobe started his career at Birmingham City, before moving to Sunderland in 2023. During his two seasons at the Stadium of Light, he made 90 league appearances and played a key role in the team’s promotion to the Premier League in May.

    “Jobe is an exceptionally talented player who combines maturity, technical skill, and ambition at a young age,” said Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken. “He embodies the values we believe in development, discipline and drive. We are confident he will grow into a key figure for our future.”

    Sporting director Sebastian Kehl expressed similar sentiments, emphasising Bellingham’s leadership and adaptability. “He made significant progress last season, maturing into a central figure for Sunderland. His presence in midfield offers us greater flexibility, and we’re excited to see how he can elevate our game.”

    Bellingham is set to wear the number 77 jersey during the Club World Cup, where he could make his first appearance for the Black and Yellows under head coach Niko Kovac.

    “I’m thrilled to be part of Borussia Dortmund,” said Bellingham. “This club has a special place in my heart, and I want to contribute to its success. Playing in front of these incredible fans and competing for titles is something I’ve dreamed of.”

    Despite being named in England’s preliminary U21 Euro squad, he will instead join Dortmund in the U.S., highlighting the club’s desire to integrate him into the team quickly.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Boost to search operation at Cradle Mountain

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Boost to search operation at Cradle Mountain

    Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – 9:42 am.

    The search for a Victorian man believed to be in the Cradle Mountain area will resume this morning.
    Members of the Tasmania Police Search and Rescue unit, State Emergency Service volunteers and Parks and Wildlife Service rangers will be involved in ground patrols, while helicopter resources will conduct aerial searches.
    Concerns for the welfare of 52-year-old Christopher Inwood were raised on Tuesday morning, after his white Toyota HiAce van was found at the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road.
    A backpack believed to belong to Mr Inwood was found alongside the road about 500m from the station, heading in the direction of Dove Lake.
    Mr Inwood was last seen at Kindred, in Tasmania’s north, about 8.30pm on Monday and police believe he drove to Cradle Mountain later that night.
    Preliminary searches of the Cradle Mountain area on Tuesday by PWS rangers, with the assistance of a police drone, did not locate Mr Inwood.
    Temperatures were below freezing in the Cradle Mountain area overnight.
    Anyone who has information that could assist police locate Mr Inwood, pictured, is urged to call 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister: Strengthening ties with EU more important than ever

    Source: Scottish Government

    EU Ambassadors to visit Bute House.

    First Minister John Swinney will meet European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom Pedro Serrano at Bute House today (11 June) to discuss the challenges and opportunities to arise from the recent deal between the UK and the EU.

    They will be joined by the Slovenian Ambassador Sanja Štiglic and Bulgarian Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, as part of a delegation to Scotland. Later today the First Minister will also meet the Minister-President of Flanders at an event to celebrate 25 years of Flemish trade and investment in Scotland.

    The First Minister said he viewed both engagements as opportunities to reinforce the strong relationship that exists between Scotland and the EU. He commented:

    “The European Union is one of our most important economic and security partners. While the deal struck on the 19 May represents long-overdue progress in rebuilding our relationship, no agreement can deliver the economic, social and security benefits we lost with Brexit in 2020.

    “That is why I firmly believe Scotland’s best future lies as an independent country within the EU. More than ever, the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. 

    “In the meantime we will continue to engage with nations and regions across Europe to maximise opportunities through trade, investment, innovation and academia. As we enter the next phase of negotiations, we stand ready to be closely involved as the UK Government develops its future priorities for working with the EU.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland to host UK’s national supercomputer as Chancellor confirms £750 million investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Scotland to host UK’s national supercomputer as Chancellor confirms £750 million investment

    Scotland will become home to the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million for the project confirmed in the Spending Review.

    Scotland to host the UK’s most powerful supercomputer.

    • Up to £750 million for a new supercomputer in Edinburgh will be confirmed by the Chancellor at Spending Review – giving scientists across the UK access to compute power found in only a handful of other nations.
    • Commitment follows the Prime Minister committing an extra £1 billion of funding to ramp up the UK’s AI compute power twenty fold as he opened London Tech Week.
    • AI Research Resource coming into operation soon, as Isambard supercomputer named one of the most powerful in the world.

    Scotland will be home to the UK’s most powerful supercomputer to drive forward innovations that grow our economy and ensure people are better off, putting Edinburgh at heart of the UK’s plans to unlock a decade of national renewal through artificial intelligence.

    The news comes after the Prime Minister kicked off London Tech Week by unveiling £1 billion of extra funding to scale up the country’s AI compute power twenty-fold. Following that announcement, the Chancellor has now confirmed up to a further £750 million to build the UK’s new national supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh, strengthening Britain’s position as an AI-maker and research power, with researchers and start-ups backed to deliver new waves of innovations and discoveries.

    Edinburgh’s new supercomputer will give scientists from across the UK the compute power they need for cutting edge research and making the next big breakthrough – whether that’s personalised medical treatments, making air travel more sustainable, or modelling climate change. This will form part of the Chancellor’s commitment to investing in Britain’s renewal at the Spending Review today (Wednesday), ensuring the British people are better off – from better health to economic growth.

    The supercomputer will work alongside the AI research resource, a network of the UK’s most powerful supercomputers that were built to bolster scientific research. The AI Research Resource, which is due to come into operation soon, is already being used to research Alzheimer’s vaccines and treatments for cancer by simulating how drugs work inside the body and ‘testing’ millions of potential drugs virtually to speed up the creation of new medicines. 

    Ahead of that moment, the Isambard system has this week been ranked in the top ten globally and top 5 in Europe for publicly available supercomputers. According to the latest Top500 rankings, it also ranks as a leader in terms of efficiency, setting a clear benchmark of how the UK government is delivering on its AI ambitions while driving forward its mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said:

    From the shipyards of the Clyde to developments in steam engine technology, Scottish trailblazers were central to the industrial revolution – so the next great industrial leap through AI and technology should be no different.  

    Basing the UK’s most powerful supercomputer in Edinburgh, Scotland will now be a major player in driving forward the next breakthroughs that put our Plan for Change into action.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    We are investing in Scotland’s renewal, so working people are better off. 

    Strong investment in our science and technology sector is part of our Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth, and as the home of the UK’s largest supercomputer, Scotland will be an integral part of that journey.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

    This is a landmark moment and will place Scotland at the forefront of the UK’s technological revolution. The £750 million investment in Edinburgh’s new supercomputer places Scotland at the cutting edge of computing power globally.

    This will see Scotland playing a leading role in creating breakthroughs that have a global benefit – such as new medicines, health advances, and climate change solutions. This is the Plan for Change – delivering real opportunities and economic growth for communities across Scotland.

    Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson said: 

    This significant investment will have a profoundly positive impact on the UK’s global standing, and we welcome the vast opportunities it will create for research and innovation.

    Building on the University of Edinburgh’s expertise and experience over decades, this powerful supercomputer will drive economic growth by supporting advancements in medicine, bolstering emerging industries and public services, and unlocking the full potential of AI. We look forward to working alongside the UK government and other partners to deliver this critical national resource.

    The new supercomputer will vastly exceed the capacity of the UK’s current national supercomputer, ARCHER2. 

    The government will set out more details about the system in our upcoming Compute Roadmap, which we will publish this summer. It will outline the government’s strategic approach to building world-class compute infrastructure in the UK – which will include the new national supercomputer in Edinburgh and our investment to expand the AI Research Resource by at least 20 times by 2030. 

    DSIT and UKRI will work to ensure that the Edinburgh supercomputer’s system size represents value for money on our investment and meets the needs of the diverse user groups of the UK’s compute infrastructure.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Youth Parliament ‘Future Youth Voice’ Conference

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The annual Highland Youth Parliament (HYP) conference will take place at Inverness Leisure and Canal Park, Inverness on Friday (13th June).

    Highland young people are focusing on future youth voices and what they would like a future Highland to look like. HYP is 25 years old this year so young people have been asked to bring a time capsule item to represent their area (to be opened again in 2050) and will be asked questions in a review of Highland Youth Parliament and related structures to improve how young people are supported to have a say, how this is promoted to young people and to help widen reach and representation.

    The conference is expected to have approximately 100 young people from across the 29 secondary school areas in Highland participating at the event.

    There will be stalls in the morning from a range of organisations and services working with young people across Highland and Highland Council youth development officers and young people will display the work they do out in areas around having a voice and making changes for improvement of services for young people in their local areas.

    This will be followed by input from Jake MacCulloch, Chair of Highland Youth Parliament and Lauren McKittrick, the Highland Youth Convener.

    The Scottish Youth Parliament will also speak with Highland young people re their work and consult on their new manifesto.

    Kate Lackie, Assistant Chief Executive – People, The Highland Council will also speak with young people about The Highland Council’s Our Future Our Highland Programme then young people will break out in to groups to discuss wider topics of Education, Employment, Leisure and Recreation, Transport, Roads and Infrastructure, Environment and Health and Social Care, and highlight issues and actions they would like HYP to focus on in these areas.

    Young people will then have the opportunity to participate in a Walk and Talk a Mile to discuss a couple of questions which will contribute towards the development of the 2026-2029 Children’s Services Plan, incorporating the Highland Children and Young People’s Participation Strategy.

    The group will also be offered some fun and interesting activities – a free swim and gym session from High Life Highland. Inverness Leisure will also provide line dancing, Highland Archive Centre are offering a family history session and Inverness Botanics will be providing some interesting tours of the gardens and the work they do.

    Highland Youth Convener, Lauren McKittrick said: “The HYP conference provides a platform for each area in the Highlands to be represented by the young people who call it home. I am looking forward to hearing the unique perspectives these young people will bring while discussing some of the important themes affecting the future landscape of the Highlands. There is no better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Highland Youth Parliament than a day full of engaging discussions, fun activities, and a time capsule!”

    Jake MacCulloch, Chair of Highland Youth Parliament added: “Having attended the HYP conference last year as a young person myself and now this year as Chair, I’m so excited to see how the day plays out. It is such an amazing opportunity for young people to take part in, where they can voice their views and take part in activities and workshops tailored to certain topics! Like usual we will also have stalls from organisations supporting young people. This year we also have stalls from youth groups throughout Highland to show the amazing work they’ve been doing as we are celebrating 25 years of the Highland Youth Parliament, I’m sure we are going to have a great time.” 

    Kate Lackie,  The Highland Council’s Assistant Chief Executive – People said: “The Council has a good track record of working proactively with the Highland Youth Parliament. It is important that voices of our children and young people are heard and taken seriously, especially when it comes to future policy making, which is why I am delighted to be leading a session seeking input into the Council’s key strategic priority areas.   I am sure the conference will be an excellent platform to network, share good practice and look to the future. I wish everyone taking part a very enjoyable and successful event.”

    Before the conference, Highland young people can participate in online training sessions, provided by The Highland Council and partners such as Scottish Youth Parliament and Education Scotland. They will cover a range of topics such as what it means to be a Highland Youth Parliament member, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, elegant challenging and campaigning online.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister Støre of Norway: 10 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM call with Prime Minister Støre of Norway: 10 June 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway this afternoon. 

    They agreed on the importance of this afternoon’s announcement between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom, confirming sanctions on two Israeli Ministers for their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians. 

    The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to a two-state solution, which ensures a safe and secure future for Israelis and Palestinians.

    Discussing the publication of last week’s Strategic Defence Review, the leaders agreed that the UK and Norway are key partners, showcased through Norway’s vital contribution to the Carrier Strike Group. 

    They agreed on the vital importance of all NATO allies stepping up on our collective defence at an increasingly dangerous time for the world. 

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM’s remarks in Downing Street meeting with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Aguiar: 10 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM’s remarks in Downing Street meeting with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Aguiar: 10 June 2025

    PM’s remarks in Downing Street meeting with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Aguiar.

    Let me just start by saying thank you so much for coming in, and you’re very welcome.

    I know you’ve got some plans that you want to show us, so we’re very much looking forward to seeing those plans, to honour Bebe, Alice and Elsie.

    I know that the plan is very much developing on the idea of the gardens in a very special way, and so we’re looking forward to seeing that.

    There’s already the prospect of some funding to go towards the gardens to make them exactly as you want them.

    And as a proper honour to the three girls, I’m really pleased to tell you today that the government will make up the rest of the money, so that as from today, you know that this project is secure and will go ahead.

    Thank you for coming to show us the plans. Thank you for your continued courage and resilience.

    As I’ve said to you all a number of times, I think most people in the country would say they wouldn’t know how to deal with the situation, but you’ve shown courage and resilience and come forward with these plans, which will then be a great honour and an incredible thing for so many people and for children as they make use of the gardens, which is a wonderful thing to do. So thank you very much for that.

    And also we sit here as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, but we sit here as human beings with families of our own. And we sit here on behalf of millions of people who would love to see the plans and to say well done for bringing them forward and getting to this point.

    So through us, the thanks of millions of people in this country. I know there’ll be a sense that all of us alongside you will want to see these plans.

    I think when they understand the concept of what you’re doing here, I think they’ll be really moved and touched by it. So thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public drop-in session set to take place for Tain Royal Academy Community Complex (TRACC)

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    As part of its public consultation, Highland Council is to hold a drop-in event on the Tain Royal Academy Community Complex (TRACC), giving members of the public an opportunity to view more detailed information on the range of potential options for the future of leisure services currently provided at TRACC.  Council officers will be on hand on the day to meet with those attending and discuss the potential options.

    The drop-in will take place on Thursday, 12 June between 2pm-8pm and will be held in the Games Hall of TRACC.

    Additionally, in May, a survey was launched to enable the views of the local community to be captured.  This survey remains open and members of the Tain community are encouraged to participate in the process to ensure the views of the local community are fully understood, which will ultimately assist in assessing the potential impact of each proposed option and support the decision making process for the future of TRACC.

    Submit your views by accessing the response forms using the web addresses below.

    Response Form 1 – Individual Community Stakeholders and Users (www.bit.ly/tracc-form1)

    Response Form 2 – Young People (www.bit.ly/tracc-form2)

    Response Form 3 – Community Groups (www.bit.ly/tracc-form3)

    Members of the community who completed the survey before it was amended (on Sunday 11 May 2025) are free to resubmit their response on the updated form. 

    10 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join The Highland Council in supporting Clean Air Day 2025

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council is proud to be taking part in this year’s Clean Air Day – the UK’s largest air pollution awareness campaign – on 19 June 2025. Supported by Global Action Plan and Health Equals, the initiative is a vital step in helping our communities understand the health risks of air pollution and the simple actions we can all take to make a difference.

    One of the contributors to poor air quality is engine idling — when car engines are left running while stationary – which can significantly increase harmful emissions.  Changing idling behaviour will be the focus of this year’s events.

    Why this campaign matters

    • Air pollution affects us from before our first breath to our last.
    • Children are especially vulnerable to the health impacts of polluted air.
    • Idling engines contribute to unnecessary emissions and fuel waste.
    • By switching off engines, we can all help reduce pollution and protect our environment.

    To celebrate Clean Air Day, Highland Council’s Environmental Health Team will have an information stall at the entrance to the Victorian Market Food Hall, Inverness on Thursday 19 June from 11:00 to 15:00 and will be speaking to drivers around the town centre, providing a great opportunity to engage with the public and raise awareness on air pollution issues.

    In the run-up to Clean Air Day, the team will also be revisiting schools who previously took part in an Air Quality Project to monitor air quality around school premises.  This project had identified distinct peaks in pollution levels during school drop-off and pick-up times and pupils will be supported to run an Anti-Idling Campaign to raise awareness of the negative impacts of engine idling which will help encourage positive change. 

    Each participating school will be provided with an ‘Anti-Idling’ sign for their drop-off zone, an information pack and toolkit to help them run their campaign and a banner for installation at their school gate on the campaign launch day.

    Participating schools will help raise awareness by:

    • Teaching pupils about why clean air matters.
    • Supporting pupils as they lead this important initiative.
    • Encouraging staff and parents to turn off their car engine when waiting outside the school.

    For more information on how to participate in Clean Air Day, visit the Clean Air Day website.

    10 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence Continues Rapid Growth in the Australian Market in Partnership with Gaming Dynamics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a global leader in operational intelligence software for the gaming and hospitality industries, is pleased to announce continued expansion across Australia in collaboration with its strategic partner, Gaming Dynamics. This successful partnership has positioned QCI as a key technology provider in the region, delivering data-driven insights and performance tools to some of the largest and most sophisticated gaming operations in the country.

    Together with Gaming Dynamics, QCI has experienced strong adoption of its Enterprise Platform in the New South Wales market. This growth trajectory highlights the demand for advanced analytics and real-time decision-making capabilities in Australia’s competitive gaming landscape.

    Tony Toohey, Managing Partner of Gaming Dynamics, commented:
    “The Australian business continues to grow and we are on track to be working with two-thirds of the top fifty sites in New South Wales this year. Operators are increasingly recognizing the value QCI delivers in optimizing player engagement and operational efficiency.”

    This momentum underscores the value of the QCI platform in supporting both standalone and group operators with scalable, enterprise-level solutions tailored to the unique demands of the Australian market.

    Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, added:
    “We are proud of the continued collaboration with Gaming Dynamics. We are seeing enormous benefits from group operators having access to the data across the whole business. This level of visibility and integration is transforming the way operators manage performance, marketing, and customer loyalty.”

    QCI and Gaming Dynamics are committed to continued innovation and support for Australian operators, helping them thrive in a fast-evolving industry by unlocking the power of data at every level of the organization.

    ABOUT Gaming Dynamics
    The Gaming Dynamics is a premier Australian distributor of gaming technology, offering advanced gaming solutions to businesses across the country. Through strategic partnerships with global leaders in the gaming industry, Gaming Dynamics is committed to staying at the forefront of technology and ensuring their clients have access to the best tools and insights to drive growth and success.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno
    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Sending Delegation on Business Recruitment Mission to the Paris Air Show

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he will be joining a delegation of Connecticut state officials and business leaders at the 2025 Paris Air Show as part of a business recruitment mission intended to strengthen and support the state’s aerospace industry and the thousands of local jobs that it supports.

    The aerospace industry employs nearly 30,000 people in Connecticut, the third highest concentration of aerospace employment in the U.S. The aerospace and defense industry accounts for more than 32% of Connecticut’s total exports.

    “Connecticut is one of the top places in the world for aerospace companies to grow and develop, and it is our mission to help our state’s existing aerospace companies thrive and meet with international companies that are looking to establish operations in the U.S. market,” Governor Lamont said. “We want more of the world’s aerospace products to be made in Connecticut, where the world’s best and most talented workforce is located.”

    The Paris Air Show is considered one of the most important tradeshows of its kind in the world and is attended by world leaders, governors of several U.S. states, military officials, and some of the top business executives of the commercial aerospace and defense industry. More than 2,454 aerospace and defense companies from throughout the world will be exhibiting.

    Governor Lamont will be attending from June 15 to June 17, and his schedule includes attending industry networking events and meeting with several aerospace companies that have expressed interest in establishing operations in the United States. Other officials who are part of Connecticut’s delegation include Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe, Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, and Advance CT President and CEO John Bourdeaux.

    The State of Connecticut is sponsoring its own booth that will be occupied by ten aerospace companies with operations in the state, whose executives will be working to secure contracts for their products and services. These companies include:

    • Air Industries Group
    • Enjet Aero
    • Precision Sensors
    • NE-XT Technologies
    • Jonal Laboratories
    • Forecast International
    • Reno Machine
    • Production Metals, A Division of Ryerson
    • Mott Corporation
    • New England Airfoil Products (NEAP)

    “We are excited to be in Paris with a full delegation to demonstrate the critical role Connecticut plays in the aerospace industry,” Commissioner O’Keefe said. “We are here to support our aerospace manufacturers, compete for businesses, introduce the show’s participants to our world-class workforce, and make sure that global companies know that our state is one of the top aerospace markets in the world.”

    “We are here because Connecticut is an important player in the global aerospace ecosystem,” Bourdeaux said. “We invest a lot of time and resources into the Paris Air Show because it is a place where business gets done. We must be here to compete against other states, and I am proud to say that Connecticut competes very well in this industry. We have a strong track record in the aerospace sector, and we continue to be successful at bringing new corporate investors to our state.”

    Connecticut is the #1 state in the U.S. for aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing, which contributes more than $6.6 billion to Connecticut’s GDP. Airbus North America Chairman and CEO Robin Hayes called Connecticut the company’s #1 supplier state, with more than one-third of their total U.S. spend going to Connecticut.

    Connecticut has been participating in the Paris Air Show and the Farnborough International Air Show in England, which are held in alternating years, since 2006. These two tradeshows are considered the two most important events in the world for the global aerospace industry.

    At the 2023 Paris Air Show, conversations between Governor Lamont, AdvanceCT, and Hanwha Aerospace resulted in Hanwha relocating its International Engines Business from South Korea to Cheshire, Connecticut.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Northern Ireland: Amnesty condemns ‘appalling racist violence’ in Ballymena

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In response to the racist violence in Ballymena last night, Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director, said:

    “Last night’s appalling racist violence in Ballymena could have cost someone their life.

    “Today, families from immigrant and minoritised communities across Northern Ireland are living in fear. It is vital that the police act swiftly and decisively to protect those most at risk.

    “At a time of heightened tension, politicians have a duty to choose their words carefully because incendiary rhetoric can lead to burned-out homes and shattered lives.

    “Justice must be pursued through the legal system, not by mobs.”

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 10, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 101628

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1128 AM CDT Tue Jun 10 2025

    Valid 101630Z – 111200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND
    EVENING ACROSS PARTS OF SOUTHEAST NM AND FAR WEST INTO CENTRAL TX…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe storms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening
    across parts of far southeast New Mexico, far West Texas and the Rio
    Grande Valley. Marginally severe storms will be possible from parts
    of the southern Plains eastward into the lower Mississippi Valley,
    along parts of the Atlantic Coastal states, in northern
    California/southern Oregon and in parts of the northern Rockies.

    …Central/East/Southeast TX…
    Recent satellite/radar imagery shows a decaying MCS across central
    TX. The airmass downstream across east/southeast TX is very moist,
    with dewpoints in the 70s, which will support strong buoyancy amid
    continued daytime, with MLCAPE likely over 2500 J/kg. However,
    vertical shear is weak and the general expectation is for the
    strength of the MCS to remain modest, with only limited re
    intensification anticipated. Any reintensification appears most
    likely along the northern portion of the MCS, where interaction with
    a warm-front-like boundary demarcating more tropical air is likely.
    This may lead to some forward propagation and an increased potential
    for a few locally stronger gusts.

    …Southeast NM/Far West into Central TX This Afternoon/Evening…
    Easterly/southeasterly winds are expected to result in notable
    low-level moisture advection into the region throughout the day.
    This increased low-level moisture beneath steep mid-level lapse
    rates will support moderate to strong airmass destabilization amid
    daytime heating this afternoon. Low-level convergence and orographic
    ascent coupled with strengthening large-scale lift ahead of an
    approaching shortwave trough will foster severe thunderstorm
    development this afternoon across southeast NM and far west TX.
    Large to very large hail (3″+ in diameter) is the primary risk with
    the more cellular, early stage development. Upscale growth is then
    expected, with the resulting convective line progressing
    southeastward into the Edwards Plateau/central TX vicinity. The hail
    threat will persist, but strong wind gusts will become the primary
    risk once the linear mode dominates.

    …Central Portions of the Southeast into Mid-Atlantic…
    Recent surface analysis places a weak trough from northern MS
    eastward through northern GA then northeastward across the Carolina
    Piedmont to a low over the Chesapeake Bay vicinity. This boundary
    will provide the impetus for scattered thunderstorm development as
    it gradually shifts southeastward as a more cold-front-like feature
    later this afternoon and evening. The downstream airmass will be
    moderately to strongly buoyant, but shear will be weak, leading to a
    predominantly disorganized multicellular mode. A few strong
    downbursts are possible as storms collapse and/or briefly surge as
    bowing line segments.

    …Eastern FL Peninsula…
    Full daytime heating and dewpoints in the 70s will yield strong
    instability later this afternoon along the northeast and
    east-central FL peninsula, supporting scattered thunderstorm
    development. Weak but sufficient deep-layer shear and steep
    low-level lapse rates could result in locally damaging wind gusts in
    the strongest cells.

    …New England…
    Recent surface analysis places a cold front from eastern Lake Erie
    southwestward through far western NY and PA, well to the west of the
    warm conveyor showers and thunderstorms currently ongoing across
    much of New England. Modest destabilization is anticipated ahead of
    the cold front, with scattered thunderstorm development anticipated
    along this boundary as it moves eastward this afternoon. Buoyancy
    will be modest, but strong mid-level flow and resulting strong shear
    should still support organized storm structures this
    afternoon/evening. Some isolated hail and/or damaging gusts are
    possible within the strongest updrafts.

    …Pacific Northwest into the northern Rockies…
    Upper ridging will continue to dampen across the region while
    mid-level southwesterly/westerly flow aloft gradually strengthens
    ahead of an approaching low-amplitude shortwave trough. Orographic
    effects coupled with increasing mid-level moisture and modest
    large-scale ascent will support thunderstorms over the higher
    terrain, with some of these storms tracking eastward/northeastward
    into lower elevation areas. Greater lower elevation destabilization
    is anticipated the southern/southeast OR vicinity and the lee of
    northern Rockies in western/central MT. Damaging gusts are possible
    later this afternoon/evening as high-based storms moved into these
    regions. Some isolated hail may occur as well.

    ..Mosier/Thornton.. 06/10/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 2000Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Care Reform (Scotland) Bill passed

    Source: Scottish Government

    Transforming social care.

    Plans to transform social care across Scotland will be progressed after the Scottish Parliament approved the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill.

    Thousands of people with experience of accessing, delivering and receiving social care, social work and community health services have helped co-design the legislation, putting people at the heart of reform.

    The Bill will bring forward a number of enhancements to social care that include:

    • enshrining Anne’s Law into legislation to uphold the rights of people living in adult care homes to see loved ones and identify an essential care supporter
    • strengthening support for unpaid carers by establishing a legal right to breaks, following the additional £13 million already allocated for up to 40,000 carers to take voluntary sector short breaks
    • empowering people to access information on their care and improving the flow of information across care settings
    • improving access to independent advocacy to guarantee people are heard and involved in decisions about their own care
    • creating a National Chief Social Work Adviser role to provide professional leadership and champion the sector, as part of plans for a new National Social Work Agency.

    Alongside the Bill, an advisory board will be established to drive progress and scrutinise reform, replacing an interim board that met for the first time in May.

    Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: “More than 200,000 people across Scotland access care each year.

    “Anyone may need care during their lives, and that care should be high quality and delivered consistently across Scotland. That is why we have been so determined to bring forward much-needed reform, alongside the work we are already doing through the near £2.2 billion total investment in social care and integration in 2025-26.

    “Reform is not easy to deliver and it is being made more challenging by recent UK Government changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions and changes to migration. These will undoubtedly impact on care delivery.

    “However, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to deliver the sustainable change to social care that people urgently need.

    “This is a significant step that will strengthen the rights of people living in care homes, support unpaid carers and social workers and improve experiences for the many people who access social care across Scotland.”

    Background

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Israel and the OPTs: Minister for the Middle East Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Written statement to Parliament

    Israel and the OPTs: Minister for the Middle East Statement

    Minister for the Middle East statement to Parliament on UK sanctions on Israeli government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich

    With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    The two-state solution is in peril.

    Catastrophic conflict in Gaza…

    and a shocking deterioration in the West Bank.

    This is an affront to the rights of Palestinians…

    but is also against the interests of Israelis…

    against their long-term security and their democracy.

    Today, I will update the House on new actions we are taking…

    to uphold human rights…

    and defend the vision and viability of two sides living side-by-side in peace.  

    Mr Speaker, 2024 saw the worst settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank in the last two decades.

    2025 is on track to be just as violent.

    Between 1996 and 2023, an average of seven illegal settler outposts were established annually.

    In 2024, settlers erected 59.

    These outposts are illegal under both Israeli and international law.

    Two weeks ago, the Israeli government itself announced 22 new settlements in the West Bank.

    Every outpost…

    every building the settlers erect…

    is a flagrant breach of international law…

    and disregards the views of Israel’s partners.

    There are now in excess of five hundred thousand settlers living in the West Bank…

    and over 100,000 in East Jerusalem…

    the territory that must form the heart of a sovereign, viable and free Palestine.

    Mr Speaker, the sharp growth in settlements alone is dangerous enough.

    But it has been accompanied by a steep rise in settler violence and extremist rhetoric.

    Itamar Ben-Gvir has led seven provocative intrusions into Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount since 2022.

    In 2023, settlers rampaged through the village of Huwara…

    in what Israel’s own West Bank military commander described as a “pogrom done by outlaws”.

    Last month, the villagers of Mughayyir ad-Deir fled their homes in fear after the construction of an illegal outpost 100m away.

    This month, settlers attacked the town of Deir Dibwan…

    setting fire to houses and injuring residents.

    This violence and rhetoric is deeply concerning.

    An assault not just on Palestinian communities…

    but on the very fundamentals of a two-state solution.

    An attempt to entrench a one-state reality, where there are no equal rights.

    The two-state solution remains the only viable framework for a just and lasting peace…

    I know it is supported on every side of this House.

    Israelis living in secure borders…

    recognised and at peace with their neighbours…

    free from the threat of terrorism.

    Palestinians living in their own state…

    with dignity and security…

    free of occupation.

    Mr Speaker, we are steadfastly committed to defending that vision…

    not just with words, but with action.

    That is why we have pledged £101m in additional support to the Palestinian people this year.

    Why we are working to strengthen and reform the Palestinian Authority…

    Why My Right Honourable Friend the Foreign Secretary signed a landmark agreement with Prime Minister Mustafa…

    and why my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister welcomed him to Downing Street.

    Why we are clear that Hamas must release the hostages immediately and unconditionally, and that Hamas can have no role in Palestinian governance.

    Why we are committed to working with civil society – Israeli and Palestinian – to support those who believe in peace and coexistence.

    However, Mr Speaker, the gravity of the situation demands further action.

    The reality is that these human rights abuses…

    incitement to violence…

    the extremist rhetoric…

    comes not just from an uncontrolled fringe…

    but from individuals who are Ministers in this Israeli government.

    We have to hold them to account and protect the viability of the two-state solution.

    And so today, we are sanctioning Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir…

    acting alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway…

    who have also announced their own measures today.

    These two men are responsible for inciting settler violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank…

    violence which has led to the deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of whole towns and villages.

    This violence constitutes an abuse of Palestinians human rights.

    It is cruel and degrading…

    and completely unacceptable.

    We have told the Israeli Government repeatedly that we would take tougher action if this did not stop.

    It still didn’t.

    The appalling rhetoric has continued unchecked.

    Violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity.

    So let me tell the House now…

    when we say something, we mean it.

    Today, with our partners…

    we have shown the extremists we will not sit by while they wreck the prospects of future peace.

    Mr Speaker, our actions today do not diminish our support for the security of Israel and the Israeli people.

    The agendas of these two men are not even supported by the majority of Israelis…

    Israelis recognise that these individuals are not working in their interest.

    As the Foreign Secretary said to this House last month…

    we want a strong friendship with Israel based on shared values and our many close ties.

    Our condemnation of Hamas, a proscribed organisation…

    and the appalling attacks of October 7th is unequivocal.  

    Our commitment to Israel’s security and future is unwavering.

    We will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza…

    the release of the hostages still held so cruelly by Hamas…

    a ramping up of aid to those Gazans in desperate need.

    The repeated threats by Hamas to the lives of the hostages are grotesque…

    and prolongs the agony of their families and loved ones.

    Hamas should release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally.

    Mr Speaker, the situation in the West Bank cannot be seen in isolation from events in Gaza.

    Extremist rhetoric advocating forced displacement of Palestinians…

    denial of essential aid…

    the creation of new Israeli settlements in the Strip…

    is equally appalling and dangerous.

    This Government will never accept the unlawful transfer of Gazans from or within Gaza…

    nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip.

    The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic.

    While Israel’s ground and air operations expand, Gazans have been pushed into less than 20% of the territory.

    Hospitals have been destroyed and damaged.

    Gaza’s entire population is at risk of famine.

    Meanwhile, Israel’s newly introduced measures for aid delivery endanger civilians and foster desperation.

    They are inhumane.

    The Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah reported last week that it has responded to an unprecedented five mass casualty incidents in the two weeks prior…

    in each case, Palestinians have been killed or injured trying to access aid sites in Gaza.

    Desperate civilians who have endured twenty months of war should never face the risk of death or injury simply to feed themselves and their families.

    We need further action from the Israeli government now…

    to lift all restrictions on aid…

    to enable the UN and aid partners to do their work…

    and to ensure food and other critical supplies can reach people safely wherever they are.

    We will continue to support the UN and other trusted NGOs as the most effective and principled partners for aid delivery.

    Our support has meant over 465,000 people have received essential healthcare…

    640,000 have received food…

    and 275,000 people have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

    We support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

    And we welcome France and Saudi Arabia’s initiative to chair an international conference later this month to advance a two-state solution.

    Mr Speaker, it is a two-state solution that is the only way to bring the long-lasting peace that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve.

    But it must not remain an empty slogan…

    repeated by generations of diplomats and politicians…

    but increasingly divorced from the reality on the ground.

    Mr Smotrich said there is no such thing as a Palestinian nation.

    Mr Ben Gvir has spoken of his rights in the West Bank…

    a territory his government is occupying…

    as more important than the rights of millions of Palestinians.

    Their own words condemn them, Mr Speaker.

    To defend those Palestinians’ rights…

    to protect the two-state solution…

    to see Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in safety and security…

    this Government is taking action.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Automated Vehicles Act 2024 implementation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Written statement to Parliament

    Automated Vehicles Act 2024 implementation

    An update on the work being done to implement the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act 2024.

    I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the government is taking to implement the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act 2024 and kickstart economic growth, a top priority in the government’s Plan for Change.

    The AV Act delivers one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks of its kind anywhere in the world, with safety at its core, which will give potential operators, tech developers and manufacturers the confidence to invest in the UK. It sets out clear legal responsibilities so businesses know where they stand, establishes a safety framework and creates the necessary regulatory powers.

    The AV Act implementation programme has been designed to maximise innovation, enabling investors and operators to develop and deploy the creative mobility solutions that can drive growth. This comes as part of a government-wide programme of work using artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver the Plan for Change, with AVs being a clear example of how AI will bring tangible benefits to the public.

    Automated passenger services

    Today (10 June 2025) I can announce that the government will accelerate the introduction of automated passenger services (APS) regulations, subject to the outcome of a consultation later this summer. This will provide businesses with the regulatory confidence to invest in testing and deploying these innovative services on our streets, reinforcing the UK’s position among the world leaders in tech deployment. It will help facilitate commercial pilots of services with paying passengers and no safety driver to be deployed from spring 2026.

    The APS permitting regime was created to address complexities of applying current taxi, private hire vehicle, and public service vehicle legislation to passenger services that would operate without a driver.

    Protecting marketing terms for AVs

    Today, I launched a consultation, and an accompanying draft statutory instrument (SI) on protecting marketing terms for AVs; the consultation will run for 12 weeks. The AV Act sets out an authorisation process to determine whether a vehicle can safely drive itself without being controlled or monitored by a human. We want to support the innovators and businesses which are building genuinely groundbreaking tech by protecting certain terms so they can only be used to describe authorised self-driving vehicles, boosting investor confidence, consumer trust and driver certainty.

    This consultation aims to identify the words, expressions, symbols or marks that should only be used to describe authorised AVs. The government expects to bring forward secondary legislation following careful consideration of consultation responses. Our aim is for these regulations to come into effect in early 2026; they will be subject to the negative procedure.

    Statement of safety principles for AVs

    Today, I have published a call for evidence on the statement of safety principles which will consider the safety outcomes that should be sought by self-driving vehicles; the call for evidence will also run for 12 weeks. Public confidence in the safety of these vehicles will be essential to take advantage of the huge economic opportunities they will present.

    The Department for Transport’s monitoring and annual reporting will consider performance against these principles. The AV Act specifies that the safety principles must be framed with a view to securing that authorised AVs achieve a safety level equal to or higher than careful and competent human drivers and that road safety in Great Britain will improve due to the presence of these vehicles.

    I intend to publish a further consultation on the statutory principles in the coming months that will be informed by stakeholder feedback from this call for evidence. The final statutory guidance will be laid in parliament and will be subject to parliamentary approval.

    Transport AI action plan

    The announcements made today are a cornerstone of the Department’s new Transport AI action plan. This publication is a 23-point plan which sets out how the government is using AI to improve transport for everyone in the UK. The plan builds upon the Transport data strategy and the AI opportunities action plan to align the transport sector with the broader AI agenda, drive economic growth and deliver on the Plan for Change.

    A copy of these publications and associated annexes will be placed in the libraries of both Houses and published on GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Save Loch Lomond: Minister recalls Flamingo Land appeal 

    Source: Scottish Greens

    10 Jun 2025 Nature Save Loch Lomond

    The evidence of the damage Flamingo Land would do to Loch Lomond is overwhelming.

    More in Nature

    The Scottish Greens are celebrating a huge win as Flamingo Land’s appeal to build a mega-resort on the banks of Loch Lomond has been recalled by Scottish Ministers.

    The National Park’s board unanimously rejected the development in September after receiving objections from expert groups including environment watchdog SEPA as well as a record 155,000 individuals. Flamingo Land appealed this decision with the Scottish Government, whose officials overturned the Park board’s decision and granted it permission to go ahead two weeks ago.

    When challenged by Scottish Green MSPs Ross Greer and Patrick Harvie both the Planning Minister and First Minister refused to use their powers to recall the application and make the final decision themselves.

    Following further pressure, including 50,000 individuals emailing the Planning Minister directly, the Scottish Government announced tonight that Ministers would recall the application.

    The destructive development could see 127 woodland lodges, two hotels, over 370 parking spaces, a water park, monorail and much more on a sensitive site by the loch shore at Balloch. The campaign against Flamingo Land over the last decade has been spear-headed by Mr Greer. It became the most objected to planning application in Scottish history, with over 155,000 individual objections, as well as those from groups including the Woodland Trust and National Trust for Scotland.

    Mr Greer said:

    “This is the right move by Ministers and a huge victory for the fifty thousand people who joined the Scottish Greens’ campaign for the decision to be recalled. I am glad that Ivan McKee has decided to do the right thing and use his power to intervene to protect Loch Lomond from destruction.

    “The evidence of the damage it would do to one of Scotland’s most iconic locations is overwhelming. Once Ministers consider the flood risk, loss of ancient woodland, hundreds of additional cars which would be brought onto notoriously congested roads and the litany of other devastating impacts it would have, I am sure they will reject the mega-resort application and finally end this decade-long saga.

    “People across Scotland expect their Government to protect our natural heritage. Given previous mistakes, including the approval of Donald Trump’s golf course despite local objections and serious environmental concerns, this is an opportunity for Ministers to show that they have learned and will now put people and planet ahead of greedy developers.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government to introduce legislation on High Seas Treaty by end of year

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Government to introduce legislation on High Seas Treaty by end of year

    • Bill to be introduced by end of year to enable ratification of the treaty

    A humpback whale emerging from the sea

    • The treaty will protect marine life around the globe
    • Delivering on the Government’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030

    The Government will introduce a bill by the end of the year, to enable ratification of the BBNJ Agreement (sometimes referred to as the High Seas Treaty), the Marine Minister has announced today (Tuesday 10th June 2025).

    Reinvigorating the UK’s international leadership on climate and nature, the ground-breaking Agreement will provide the first legal mechanism for the creation of protected areas in international waters, helping to conserve marine life in parts of the ocean outside national jurisdiction (approximately two-thirds of the world’s ocean).  

    These Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will help conserve rare, valuable and important marine life of the high seas, enhancing their resilience to stressors such as unsustainable fishing and industrial activities, helping them to recover faster. 

    Sharks, whales, sea turtles and many more important species of our ocean will be better protected, supporting the development of a healthy, thriving ocean from which all of nature can benefit.  

    Marine Minister Emma Hardy said:  

    “Our oceans are dying. Without urgent action, they will be irreversibly destroyed. 

    “That is why the UK will introduce legislation by the end of the year in order to enable ratification of the High Seas Treaty, a landmark in protecting marine life around the globe.”  

    The Agreement is a major victory for marine protection, and will be crucial to restoring our ocean to good health.  

    Elsewhere at the United Nations Ocean Conference, the UK joined over 90 countries in reiterating its commitment to agreeing an ambitious Plastic Pollution Treaty when negotiations resume in Geneva this August.  

    It follows the government’s proposal to ban destructive bottom trawling in more Marine Protected Areas in English Waters, which will help protect rare marine animals and the delicate seabeds on which they rely.  

    Notes to editor:  

    • Marine Protected Ares (MPAs) are areas of the ocean established to protect habitats and species essential for healthy marine ecosystems, allowing vulnerable, rare and important marine life to recover from damaging human activities.  

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Separation Agreement Joint Committee between the UK and EEA EFTA states: joint statement from the sixth meeting

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Separation Agreement Joint Committee between the UK and EEA EFTA states: joint statement from the sixth meeting

    This page shows the statement following the meeting of the Separation Agreement Joint Committee on 10 June 2025.

    The sixth meeting of the Separation Agreement Joint Committee was held in Brussels on 10 June 2025, chaired by officials from Iceland, with representatives from the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway and the United Kingdom participating. The Committee was established by the Separation Agreement to monitor its implementation and application. The Separation Agreement ensures that nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway (‘the EEA EFTA States’) already living in the UK, or UK nationals living in the EEA EFTA States at the end of the transition period, have largely the same rights as before the UK left the EU. In addition to the right of residence, these include entitlements to social security and the recognition of professional qualifications.

    During the meeting, representatives from the EEA EFTA States and the UK updated each other on their implementation and application of the Separation Agreement, focusing on the provisions relating to citizens’ rights. Representatives of the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the Independent Monitoring Authority also presented information on the monitoring of the implementation and application of the Separation Agreement.

    The EEA EFTA States and the UK adopted a Decision amending Part I of Annex I to the Separation Agreement, in order to include a recent relevant Decision of the Administrative Commission for the Coordination of Social Security Systems.

    The EEA EFTA States and the UK continue to work together to ensure the correct implementation and application of the Separation Agreement, to provide certainty to citizens.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS red tape blitz delivers game-changing new cancer treatment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    NHS red tape blitz delivers game-changing new cancer treatment

    Patients to benefit from new era in cancer treatment, as Government slashes red tape to unleash life-saving innovation

    NHS patients will be the first in Europe to benefit from a ground-breaking, non-invasive liver cancer treatment, as the Government’s Plan for Change slashes burdensome red tape and drives innovation, establishing Britain’s role as a medical technology powerhouse.

    Using ultrasound technology, the device – developed by US-based company HistoSonics – destroys tumours without surgery, scalpels, radiation, with minimal damage to surrounding organs.

    Patients stand to benefit from faster recovery times, potentially greater survival rates, fewer potentially dangerous complications, and less hospital stays – helping to cut waits for others – all marking a new era in cancer treatment.

    Ongoing research is exploring its potential to transform treatment for other hard-to-reach tumours – including kidney and pancreatic cancers – bringing hope to even more NHS patients in the future.

    Treatment is delivered via a single short session – potentially taking no longer than 30 minutes – with limited or no pain, a quick recovery, and can be performed as a day case.

    As the Government busts the bureaucracy holding back public services and stifling innovation, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting granted authorisation for controlled early access to the device via an unmet clinical need authorisation. Available through the UK’s Innovative Devices Access Pathway programme, a government-funded scheme to get cutting-edge health innovations to the market much quicker, NHS patients can benefit from technology years earlier than planned.

     Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Bureaucracy has become a handbrake on ambition, stopping innovation in its tracks and holding our health service back.

    But through our Plan for Change, we are slashing red tape, so game-changing new treatments reach the NHS front line quicker – transforming healthcare.  

    Regulation is vital to protect patients. However, as the pace of innovation ramps up, our processes must be more agile to help speed the shift from analogue to digital.

    Our common sense approach to regulation will streamline approval processes so countless more patients are liberated from life-limiting conditions.

    The technology, called histotripsy, is being debuted at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, part of Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) with the first NHS patients being treated using the game-changing device this summer. The technology was procured and installed thanks to a generous donation to the University of Cambridge from the Li Ka Shing Foundation, which has been a longstanding supporter of cancer research at the University.

    Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, said:

    Through his longstanding support of cancer research at Cambridge, Sir Ka-shing Li continues to make a significant impact on outcomes for cancer patients.

    Cutting-edge technology such as this histotripsy machine allows Cambridge to remain at the forefront of understanding and treating cancer, a position we aim to strengthen further with Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.

    The Government’s Plan for Change  is focused on securing the UK’s position as a global tech powerhouse – including in healthcare – which fosters innovation to transform the lives of working people and deliver a decade of national renewal.

    The move delivers on the Government’s commitment to tackle bureaucracy blocking investment and regulatory complexity that has previously stifled growth.

    Roland Sinker, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals said:

    Histotripsy is an exciting new technology that will make a huge difference to patients.

    By offering this non-invasive, more targeted treatment we can care for more people as outpatients and free up time for surgeons to treat more complex cases.

    The faster recovery times mean patients will be able to return to their normal lives more quickly, which will also reduce pressure on hospital beds, helping us ensure that patients are able to receive the right treatment at the right time.

    We are delighted to be receiving this new state of the art machine.

    Fiona Carey, Co-chair of the Patient Advisory Group for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and kidney cancer patient with advanced disease, said:

    This is seriously good news. A new, non-invasive option to treat these cancers is very welcome indeed.

    For patients for whom ordinary surgery is no longer an option, this could make all the difference.

    James Pound, Interim Executive Director, Innovation and Compliance at MHRA, said:

    This is a strong example of smart, agile regulation in action. Working closely with partners through the Innovative Devices Access Pathway, we’ve shown we can get promising technologies to patients faster – without compromising safety.

    It’s a major step forward for patients with liver cancer and shows how the UK can be a frontrunner in supporting responsible innovation that meets real clinical need.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –