NewzIntel.com

Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillors to review parking charges

    Source: City of York

    Following feedback from local residents and businesses, several changes to car parking charges are being considered at June’s Executive Meeting.

    In April, new pricing for car parking was introduced after being approved at Budget Full Council.

    Since the implementation of the new charges, the council has listened to residents and businesses most affected by the changes, who have shared their concerns.

    As a result, Executive will review the parking arrangements at the meeting on 3 June 2025 and consider a number of proposed changes. Executive will also be asked to agree to a consultation as part of a review of the impact of car parking charges on the economy and communities, the outcome of which will be taken to a future Executive meeting.

    An initial analysis of the economic impact is very positive, with Parliament Street showing an increase in footfall of 28.7% year on year comparing April figures, and an increase in spend of 3.7% year on year, continuing to buck the national trend.

    Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said:

    We have recognised the strength of feeling and feedback from local communities following the implementation of new parking charges and continue to listen to concerns. At the upcoming Executive meeting we will consider a number of options which seek to address the issues raised, while still supporting our ambitions to develop a healthier, more sustainable and better connected city.

    “Setting a budget is never easy and we are very grateful for those who responded to the consultation carried out over several months last year, whether attending a workshop or filling in our survey. I look forward to having further discussions.”

    Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said:

    Money from car parking goes straight back into improving our highways and public transport. This year we have increased investment in our highway maintenance programme to £10 million, meaning more potholes are being repaired on York’s roads – with over 9,000 repaired last year alone.

    “We are also investing over £50 million in sustainable travel improvements, including ticket concessions for young people, better real time information, and in the Station Gateway scheme which includes a bus interchange. This is all focused on making it easier for everyone to get around. To do this we must tackle congestion which residents have told us has a detrimental impact on how they live and work in the city, including their health and wellbeing.

    “In recent weeks I have been listening to local residents and businesses. Everyone’s love and support for our incredible independent businesses has shone through. One of the great strengths of the city is the vibrant local economies that residents enjoy in their local areas. We continue to listen and as a result we are looking at reviewing some of the parking charges in line with our transport strategy and using a data-led and evidence-based approach.”

    At the meeting, Executive will consider a range of interim options which could be introduced while a review into the impact of the car parking charges takes place. These include:

    • approving an increase in the discount for the Minster Badge to 30% of the standard parking charge, from the current 24%, to reduce the impact of increased parking charges on residents
    • maintaining existing pricing at all city centre car parks
    • introduce an “outside the inner ring road” lower parking rate including at Bishopthorpe Road car park, which it’s proposed is moved in line with charges approved for community car parks at East Parade and Rowntree Park in the council’s 2025 to 2026 Budget. This would mean Bishopthorpe Road car park would become £3 per hour with a maximum stay of 3 hours, it would be £2.10 per hour for Minster Badge holders. It will also mean no Friday, Saturday or event uplift and no evening charge in these car parks
    • approving the adjustment of charges in the Micklegate and Priory Street area to the ‘outside the inner ring road’ on-street parking rate, rather than its existing higher city centre rate to recognise the anomalously low parking charges in this area previously, and to give local businesses time to adjust. This will be reviewed in the future. City centre evening parking rates for this area will still apply
    • approving that East Parade Car Park should remain matched to the ‘outer’ on-street local parking rate to ensure consistency across out of city centre parking, and reflect the different nature of local shopping areas outside of the immediate city centre
    • removing the proposed charges for dedicated motorcycle bays, to recognise that the motorcycle bays are generally in locations where a car space is not possible
    • increase the discount for low emission vehicle permits to 20%, from the current 16% discount, to set a discount that better reflects the contribution of all types of vehicles to congestion and takes in account the land-use impact of vehicle parking
    • approve that resident contract parking permits are no longer linked to season tickets, and will be set at last year’s prices, plus circa 5% increase, with a 20% discount for low emission vehicles to recognise the unique circumstances of the small number of residents who live within the city walls without access to resident parking schemes
    • to undertake a review and develop a policy position around travel to places of worship
    • accept the challenge to review parking charges under the Traffic Management Act 2004, this will include consultation with businesses and residents and community groups

    If approved, the new charges will need to be advertised for 21 days in accordance with legislation, meaning those charges implemented will come into effect late June to early July and be subject to a pending review.

    Should Executive approve a change to the amount paid for the low vehicle emission discount, contract, season and ResPark permits, holders will be refunded the difference with more details of this to follow.

    The report for next week’s meeting is available to view online.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York celebrates meeting air pollution targets citywide for first time

    Source: City of York

    As we approach Clean Air Day later this month [19 June], City of York Council has released figures showing that all of York is meeting national air pollution targets for the first time*.

    Latest air quality monitoring figures from the council for 2024, reported to the Combined Executive Member Decision Session on 3 June 2025, show that the health-based air quality objectives were met at all locations in York for the first time, except during the Covid lockdowns, when traffic emissions reduced due to home working and closure of non-essential retail.  

    Air quality monitoring in some areas of the city, such as around Gillygate and Bootham, has shown that maximum annual levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution improved by 27 per cent in 2024 compared with 2023.

    The significant improvement in air quality is due to actions taken by the council, its partners and by residents. This includes further electrification of buses and council fleet vehicles, policies that incentivise the uptake of more low-emission taxis, anti-idling campaigns encouraging people to turn off their engines when stationary or waiting in traffic and improved electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure – all of which have all helped improve air quality further throughout 2024.

    The council encourages people to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible to reduce their exposure and contribution to air pollution, and make the switch to electric vehicles if budgets allow.

    Air pollution is linked to a range of health problems at every stage of life – from premature birth and effects on organ development in childhood,  to causing heart and lung disease, diabetes and strokes in adulthood.

    Every year, air pollution causes up to 43,000 deaths in the UK.

    Find out more through the Clean Air Hub about how air pollution impacts our mental and physical health and the planet’s wellbeing.

    Residents can also sign up for the council’s free pollution forecasting and alert service which sends air pollution alerts and health advice to those most likely to be affected by air pollution to help them minimise their exposure when future pollution episodes are forecast, and to encourage all of us to leave the car at home if possible on those days, to avoid worsening pollution for everyone.

    Cllr Jenny Kent, the Council’s Executive Member for the Environment and Climate Emergency, said: “This is brilliant news – what a fantastic achievement to help us celebrate Clean Air Day. By being proactive on improving the air we all breathe, the council has helped to meet air pollution targets for the *first time ever in York.

    “Having walked the stretch along Holgate for over a decade with prams and children, along with hundreds of young people travelling to and from 9 schools in the area, I know first hand what a difference this makes. We made a commitment to improve air quality when we published our fourth Air Quality Action Plan last summer and it is rewarding to see that the measures are working. Cleaner air is helping improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in York.

    “This is a really big achievement which we should celebrate, but we are not complacent; we need to see these results and the longer-term downward trend continue”.

    Peter Roderick, director of Public Health at City of York Council, said: “Even though we can’t see it, air pollution impacts our health whatever age we are. Improving air quality not only benefits our physical health and the environment but can also protect our mental and brain health. For the whole of York to meet air pollution targets for first time since Covid is a great achievement.

    “We hope Clean Air Day will help raise awareness of air pollution across the city and encourage people to consider their air quality impact in helping to protect everyone’s health. We can all make improvements; share a lift to work, work from home or walk, catch the bus or cycle, if possible.”

    “The latest results for the city demonstrate how far we have come in recent years to improve local air quality for everyone, however we recognise that more can be done. Through the council’s Air Quality Action Plan and other complementary strategies, we aim to go beyond National Air Quality Objectives and work towards meeting stricter World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines in the longer term to further improve public health; this will allow us all to benefit from lasting health improvements”.

    Mick Forbes, Engineering Director of First Bus North & West Yorkshire, said: “The results are very positive and provide real evidence of the environmental benefits we are achieving with our fully zero-emission fleet on the streets of York, which started on routes through Gillygate in September 2023.

    “We are delighted this is recognised in the air quality assessment by City of York Council and will continue to support its efforts to create cleaner air in the city.

    “By working together with the council we have been able to invest millions of pounds with government funding support to transform our James Street depot, which is one of the first in the country to be declared net zero.”

    Find how to protect your health and cut emissions at the Clean Air Hub 

    Free Clean Air Day resources for use by individuals, schools, businesses, health organisations and community groups are available on the Clean Air Day website 

    The council’s iTravel York website provides a host of sustainable travel resources, including walking resources and cycling resources

    This year’s Clean Air Day campaign on 19 June aims to highlight that air pollution affects your health from before your first breath until your last.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Companies House appoints Luisa Fulci as Director of Transformation and Business Change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Companies House appoints Luisa Fulci as Director of Transformation and Business Change

    Luisa Fulci joins Companies House as Director of Transformation and Business Change during a key phase of digital and operational change.

    Companies House has appointed Luisa Fulci as its new Director of Transformation and Business Change.  

    Luisa brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. As Digital Customer and Commercial Services Director at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, she led the modernisation of digital and commercial services across housing, adult social care, environmental services, public health and corporate operations. 

    Prior to this, Luisa spent 16 years at Royal Mail, where she held several senior leadership roles. As Commercial Director, she implemented major reform initiatives to customer services and delivered commercial and digital strategies that prioritised customer needs.  

    Luisa is currently a non-executive board member at HM Courts and Tribunals Service, having been appointed in April 2024. Her previous non-executive roles include board positions at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. At CILEx Regulation, she also advised on digital transformation and aided efforts to improve diversity in the legal profession. 

    Luisa has joined the Executive team at Companies House at a significant period of renewal. Her appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving digital processes, ensuring operational efficiency and creating quality services for customers and stakeholders. 

    Reflecting on her appointment, Luisa said:

    I’m delighted to be joining Companies House at such a pivotal time of change. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to build on the substantial work that has already begun to create a more modern, digital and customer-focused organisation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark government trial shows AI could save civil servants nearly 2 weeks a year

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Landmark government trial shows AI could save civil servants nearly 2 weeks a year

    More than 20,000 civil servants took part in a government-led trial using generative AI to support their daily work – with early results showing time savings equivalent to nearly 2 working weeks per person, per year.

    • Over 20,000 civil servants were given the latest AI tech for 3 months, using it to draft documents, summarise meetings and more
    • from policy officials using it to cut through jargon and streamline consultations, to Work Coaches speeding up support for job seekers – officials said the tech boosted their ability to deliver the Plan for Change
    • comes as expansive research shows half of office work can be helped by AI, as government continues push to save £45 billion by creating a lean, modern state using tech

    AI can significantly reduce time spent on government tasks – freeing up time, capacity and boosting productivity, with a landmark trial of 20,000 civil servants showing they could save nearly 2 weeks each annually by using the technology. 

    This is the equivalent of giving 1,130 people a full year back – every year – to focus on higher-value tasks, innovation or public service impact, rather than admin-based work – with the potential for this to rise significantly if used across the entire civil service, transforming productivity and public service delivery at scale.  

    The findings show the use of AI across the Civil Service will directly support the government’s Plan for Change by driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and modernising how public services operate. 

    The trial found that using generative AI such as Microsoft 365 Copilot to assist with everyday tasks – including drafting documents, summarising lengthy emails, updating records, and preparing reports – saved users an average of 26 minutes per day. That adds to nearly 2 weeks of time saved per year per person, delivering a significant productivity boost when scaled across the public workforce.  

    At Companies House, staff use Copilot to handle routine customer queries and speed up tasks like drafting responses and updating records. At the Department for Work and Pensions, work coaches are using it to personalise advice for jobseekers – helping them get faster, more tailored support.   

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the findings in a keynote discussion at SXSW London today, where he joined former Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss reimagining government and public service delivery in the age of AI.

    Commenting on the results he said:  

    These findings show that AI isn’t just a future promise – it’s a present reality. Whether it’s helping draft documents, preparing lesson plans, or cutting down on routine admin, AI tools are saving civil servants time every day. That means we can focus more on delivering faster, more personalised support where it really counts.  

    As we deliver our Plan for Change, we’re backing innovation like this to boost productivity and growth – not just in the private sector, but in public services too. AI is changing the way government operates, helping us work smarter, reduce red tape, and make better use of taxpayers’ money.

    Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK said:  

    AI is the most transformative technology of our time and we’re already seeing its potential to reshape public service delivery. Whether that’s DWP work coaches helping more jobseekers into work, local authorities improving social care for the most vulnerable in society or NHS clinicians with more time to see patients, the potential is profound. 

    As a strategic technology partner to the UK government, we have an amazing opportunity to help improve both the quality of the services people receive and the way they access them. This could unlock new levels of growth, efficiency, and innovation for the country.  

    The government’s Microsoft 365 Copilot experiment shows what’s possible when people are empowered with the right tools: 26 mins per day (almost 2 weeks per year) less time on admin, more time delivering what matters. And the really exciting part is, this is just the beginning.

    A DWP Work Coach involved in the trial said:

    Using Copilot, I was able to help a self-employed customer – Customer X – revitalise her small business. Together, we created tailored social media posts to boost her online presence and used AI to identify cost-saving opportunities. Within a week, she’d secured 7 new client bookings. She’s now using Copilot to streamline admin and manage bookings – freeing up time to grow her business. It’s a powerful example of how AI can deliver real results for the people we support.

    Complementing these findings, research from the Alan Turing Institute published today finds that AI could support up to 41% of tasks across the public sector, offering significant time savings. In schools, for example, teachers spend nearly 100 minutes a day on lesson planning – up to 75% of which could be supported by AI, freeing more time for the classroom. Civil servants spend around 30 minutes daily on emails, where AI could cut this effort by over 70%. From drafting documents to updating records, the research shows AI is well-placed to handle routine admin – supporting public servants across departments.  

    This forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernise the state and achieve £45 billion in savings by making public services faster, simpler, and more accessible—across health, education, and beyond – while rolling out digital tools like the GOV.UK App, Chat, and Wallet, and tackling outdated legacy systems that currently cost billions in lost productivity.

    Notes to editors

    Figures are derived from self-reported daily time savings provided by participants, averaged across the full cohort of 20,000 individuals.

    The £45 billion figure is composed of 3 main levers:

    1. Simplify and automate delivery across public sector (£36 billion)
    2. Migrate service processing to cheaper online channels (£4billion)
    3. Reduce fraud and error with digital compliance solutions (£6 billion)

    For further context and detailed analysis, please refer to:

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pompey Link: on-demand minibus service to improve connections in Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council is introducing Pompey Link, a shared, on-demand minibus service, which will be trialled for a 10-month period until the end of March 2026. Pompey Link combines elements of both a bus service and a taxi ride in a way that has not been seen in Portsmouth before.

    The service will be delivered by charity Community First and is made possible through funding from the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

    Pompey Link is designed to improve public transport connections for both Paulsgrove and Port Solent. Paulsgrove residents can now easily reach Port Solent, while Port Solent residents will benefit from easier access to Paulsgrove, Queen Alexandra Hospital, and other bus and rail links at Cosham Interchange.

    The service ensures that both areas – particularly Port Solent, which currently lacks direct public transport connections – have more convenient travel options.

    Passengers can book a trip on demand or up to four days in advance, by phone or app, and will be picked up from their nearest bus stop, including the former bus stop outside the Odeon in Port Solent. This is a shared service, so the minibus may pick up and drop off other passengers on the way.

    Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:

    “We’re excited to introduce Pompey Link, which provides better transport connections in the Paulsgrove area and a vital link to Port Solent, an area we know is currently underserved by public transport. Whether you are travelling for work or leisure, Pompey Link is a convenient and affordable travel option, and I hope people will try it.”

    Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, said:

    “We are delighted to offer the Paulsgrove and Port Solent community a reliable, affordable and more flexible way to travel. This service allows people to book a journey when they need it, reducing the need for fixed routes and providing a more responsive, environmentally friendly transport solution.

    This new service will be a lifeline for passengers, especially in Port Solent, who might not have access to transport to get to social and health appointments as well as for essential shopping trips.”

    Pompey Link will be available Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 7pm, excluding bank holidays. Trips can be booked using the Book a Journey app, available to download from the Apple and Google Play stores, and most journeys start from £2.

    For those who prefer to book over the phone, Community First’s customer service team is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm on 0333 015 1271. Pompey Link vehicles are accessible for wheelchair users and passengers with folding pushchairs. Babies can travel where parents or carers provide a car seat. Guide and service dogs are welcome on board.

    For more information about Pompey Link, visit: https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/drt/

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK international risk status for BSE downgraded in huge boost to farm sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK international risk status for BSE downgraded in huge boost to farm sector

    World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) downgrades UK’s BSE risk rating to negligible

    The UK’s risk rating status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been downgraded to negligible by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

    In a major boost for the food and farm sector, more avenues will now be open for trade with other countries as our improved risk status for beef and bovine products is recognised.  

    The abattoir and meat processing industry will be able to take advantage of changes to control measures, which will reduce operational burden and release financial savings for the abattoir and meat processing industry.

    The UK’s improved risk status is a reflection of the UK’s global reputation for having some of the highest standards in the world for biosecurity . 

    BSE, occasionally known as mad cow disease,  was a considerable public health concern in the 1980s leading to long-standing bans on British beef exports. The downgrading risk status marks a major step forward, reflecting decades of rigorous controls and opening the door to expanded trade and renewed confidence in UK beef.

    Farming Minister Zeichner said:

    Today’s announcement is a major step forward and will deliver a real boost to our hard-working cattle farmers, who will now have more avenues open for trading our excellent beef products.

    It is also a huge vote of confidence in this government’s commitment to rigorous animal health standards and biosecurity.

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss said: 

    WOAH’s recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK’s strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.  

    This is the latest example of the UK’s global reputation as a world leader in biosecurity and our new status will improve UK trade for beef and bovine products and reduce the operational burden and create financial savings for the abattoir and meat processing industry.

    Natasha Smith, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency said:     

    This good news reflects that our strict controls in place to protect consumers such as controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity,  have helped make sure there is no food safety risk.    

    Although the meat industry will be now able to use more of the carcass, consumers can be reassured that strict food safety controls remain in place.  Food Standards Agency Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors working in all abattoirs in England and Wales will continue to ensure that the safety of consumers remains the top priority. 

    Nan Jones, British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) Technical Policy Manager said:

    This milestone is of significant value to the industry. To illustrate, the ability to recover mesenteric fat alone could generate value of approximately £10 million per year. Given the substantial benefits this change brings to our members, we hope that the improving UK–EU relationship offers an opportunity to seek earlier EU recognition of our status.

    Jonathan Eckley, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) International Trade Development Director, said:

    This is welcome news for the UK beef sector. It highlights the strength of our animal health and food safety systems, reinforces the UK’s reputation for high-quality beef, and supports ongoing efforts to grow our export markets.

    Farmers and livestock owners are still urged to remain vigilant for BSE disease. BSE is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence. This applies to pet and small holder animals as well as commercial cattle.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister hails trade deal successes for Scotland

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Prime Minister hails trade deal successes for Scotland

    From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks.

    • Prime Minister visits historic distillery in Glasgow to discuss trade deal benefits for the Scotch Whisky industry 
    • Follows UK hat trick of trade deals with India, US and EU – improving people’s lives across the country 
    • Deals will help drive growth in Scotland and put more money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people

    From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks. 

    The Prime Minister discussed the huge growth opportunities and benefits for Scotland during a visit Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow today. 

    Visit comes after Prime Minister visited BAE Govan this morning to announce the Strategic Defence Review, which will see significant investment in Scotland . More than £2 billion a year is already spent by the Ministry of Defence with industry organisations of all sizes in Scotland, supporting over 25,000 skilled jobs in Scotland. 

    The world-renowned Scotch Whisky industry is set to boom globally – with the Scotch Whisky Association announcing they forecast £1 billion of extra exports in five years, plus 1,200 new jobs thanks to the tariff reductions as part of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. 

    India is an important market for Scotland, with 457 Scottish businesses exporting a total of £610 million in goods there last year. 

    Under the India trade deal, tariffs have been cut on a range of iconic Scottish goods, from whisky tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and dropping to 40% after 10 years to salmon reduced from 33% to 0%. Iconic Scottish brands like Irn Bru and Scottish shortbread will also see reduced tariffs. 

    Scotland’s thriving life sciences and health tech hubs will be strengthened by IP commitments on areas such as trade secrets and copyright, helping companies export to India with confidence.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    Our trade deals with India, US and the EU will slash tariffs on key industries and open markets set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people, delivering on our Plan for Change. 

    Scotland is home to some of the most world-renowned products, which can now be enjoyed across the globe – all whilst saving Scottish businesses money.  

    That is why we have secured these deals, and why we will continue to go further and faster to improve the lives of everyone in the UK.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

    Our trio of trade deals shows we are championing Scottish products and businesses on the global stage. From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets. But more importantly as part of our Plan for Change this means more money in people’s pockets.

    By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we’re creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders.

    Mark Kent, Chief Executive Officer of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: 

    As the UK’s largest food and drink export to 180 markets worldwide, Scotch Whisky producers welcome the work being done to reduce trade barriers around the world. The landmark UK-India free trade agreement will be transformational for the Scotch Whisky industry over the longer term and has the potential to increase exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years and creating 1,200 jobs across the UK.

    It’s also constructive to see a potential reduction in the burden on exporters through the UK agreement with the EU. We continue to support the UK government’s efforts to address the issue of tariffs with the US and establish a pathway to return to the zero-for-zero tariff arrangement we have had with the US on spirits for more than 30 years.

    The new agreement with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading market, will directly address challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019. The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75 million. The deal with the EU makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Disposable Vapes banned from 1 June 2025

    Source: City of Coventry

    Since 1 June 2025 it is illegal for businesses to sell, offer to sell or have in their possession for sale, all single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes.

    This applies to sales online and in shops and include all vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not.

    The Government has produced guidance for affected retailers which can be found by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban

    In preparation for the ban, retailers were contacted by Trading Standards and told to stop buying any new stock of single-use vapes, to sell through all existing affected stock and to only buy vapes that follow the new regulations. It is crucial that from now on, retailers source only vapes which are compliant with the new law.

    If any retailers do have any leftover single-use vaping products following 1 June cut-off, they will need to separate them from other goods, label them as unsellable and remove them from sale. Any affected vapes should be stored in vape bins only and be regularly collected for recycling. Unsafe storage can result in a significant fire risk.

    If retailers are found to be selling or supplying single-use vapes following the ban, Trading Standards will be able to take enforcement action. Affected stock can be seized by officers and sanctions can include a fixed penalty fine and / or applying to review or amend a premises licence. If a business continues to sell single-use vapes after being warned, the local authority may take further action which can result in higher fines and possible premises closure orders and / or prosecution being sought.

    The new regulations will require vapes to be rechargeable and refillable, or incorporate a pod system. Retailers are being warned that not all new devices on the market will automatically be compliant. New compliant products have already appeared on the market which clearly indicate they comply with the new law and retailers are again urged to check first before buying.

    If you suspect that someone is supplying single-use vapes, please feel free to report the matter via our anonymous online reporting page

    Monday, 2nd June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nearly £1 billion for NHS frontline after agency spend crackdown

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Nearly £1 billion for NHS frontline after agency spend crackdown

    Government crack-down on rip-off temporary staffing agencies delivers unprecedented savings, as NHS trusts are urged to eradicate agency spending altogether

    • Reforms delivered through Plan for Change deliver mammoth NHS savings – with funding going to better patient care and staff pay

    • Major milestone in government pledge to completely eliminate all spending on temporary NHS agency staff  

    • Health Secretary and NHS England Chief Executive will consider legislative action if further progress not made

    NHS patients and staff are benefiting from an almost £1 billion boost for the frontline, as a government crack-down on rip-off temporary staffing agencies delivers unprecedented savings.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced strict agency spending limits last November and ordered trusts to reduce their spend on agency staff by 30% in the short-term so more money could be reinvested in the frontline and the wider NHS workforce.  

    Latest figures show spending on agency staff has already fallen by almost £1 billion in 2024/25 – a huge reduction which has helped funding go towards improving the quality-of-care patients receive, helping to reduce waiting lists, and enhancing safety – as reducing reliance on agency staff has been shown to decrease clinical incidents.   

    The savings are part of a package of reforms delivered by this government which have collectively allowed above inflation pay rises to all NHS staff, including resident doctors and nurses, this year to be fully funded.

    The Secretary of State and NHS England Chief Executive Jim Mackey have today written to all trusts and integrated care boards (ICBs), urging them to build on this progress and ultimately eradicate agency spending altogether. If the government does not feel further progress has been made by the autumn, it will consider taking further legislative action. 

    Health Minister Ashley Dalton said:

    The taxpayer has been footing the bill for rip-off agencies for too long – while patients have languished on waiting lists and demoralised staff faced years of pay erosion.  

    That’s why we are pledging to eliminate this squander, and through our Plan for Change we are making major progress and seeing a radical reduction in costs.   

    We’re already backing our health workers with above-inflation pay rises and now, nearly £1 billion is being reinvested back to the frontline, getting patients off waiting lists and putting money back into our workforce’s pocket.

    The NHS was forced to spend a staggering £3 billion on agency staff in 2023/24, money that could have been used to tackle record waiting lists and improve patient care. Recruitment agencies have charged NHS trusts up to £2,000 for a single nursing shift, thanks to the 113,000 staffing vacancies across the service. 

    The government’s laser focus on reducing waste means all NHS workers, including doctors and nurses, will receive real terms pay rises for the second year in a row, fully funded from central budgets. 

    It is funding a pay rise of 4% for consultants, specialty doctors, specialists and GPs, with dentists also receiving a contract uplift to increase their pay.  

    Resident doctors will see their pay rise by an average of 5.4% (a 4% rise plus a consolidated payment of £750) and we expect the average full-time basic pay of a resident doctor will reach about £54,300 in 2025-26.  Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, which includes nurses, health visitors, midwives, ambulance staff, porters and cleaners will see their pay rise by 3.6%. The starting salary for a nurse will now be around £31,050, up from around £27,050 in 2023.

    A new delivery group is being established across the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to monitor progress on tackling agency spending, and ensure trusts are taking robust action.  

    Trusts were previously ordered to reduce bank use – NHS staff who work temporary shifts at hospitals – by at least 10%, on top of strict agency spending limits across the health service. They have now been told to evaluate them against the local market to ensure they are not more than the average equivalent agency rate.  

    Elizabeth O’Mahony, chief financial officer at NHS England, said:

    The NHS is fully committed to making sure that every penny of taxpayers’ money is used wisely to the benefit of patients and the quality of care they receive.

    Our reforms towards driving down agency spend by nearly £1 billion over the past year will boost frontline services and help to cut down waiting lists, while ensuring fairness for our permanent staff.

    Nicola McQueen, Chief Executive at NHS Professionals, said:

    We strongly welcome today’s bold and progressive workforce policy announcement from the Secretary of State to significantly reduce external agency spending and put more investment back into patient care.

    NHS Professionals was created with the core purpose of reducing the NHS’s reliance on expensive external agencies. NHS Bank services are transforming workforce deployment, boosting productivity, and driving substantial cost reduction across the NHS.

    Last year we displaced over £680 million of external agency fees across NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations, providing more than 40 million hours of patient care. We look forward to working closely with our NHS client Trusts and partners to deliver even more savings across the NHS.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sizewell A delivers landmark demolition project

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Sizewell A delivers landmark demolition project

    The turbine hall and adjoining structures at Sizewell A former nuclear power station have been safely razed to the ground by Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS).

    Sizewell A turbine hall completion

    An area the size of a professional football pitch has been cleared, de-planted and demolished ready for its next use, creating a huge skyline change for the Suffolk coast.

    Alan Walker, Sizewell A Site Director, commented:

    This is an incredible achievement for NRS, our contract partners Erith, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). 

    I would like to thank everyone including those involved and our neighbours for their continued support throughout, as well as the ONR for enabling us to push the boundaries of innovation in conventional demolition together. The learning from this will be applied to other NRS projects to continue delivering efficient, value for money decommissioning and restoration of nuclear sites.

    April 2025

    This transformational project demonstrated technical innovation and set a new benchmark for the largest use of explosives on a UK nuclear site and the longest programmed detonation sequence in Europe.  These were used to weaken the four gigantic concrete plinths that two 650 tonne turbogenerators stood on.

    The use of explosives reduced the project schedule by four months, costs by £300,000 and minimised vibrations to negligible levels compared to using traditional mechanical percussion removal techniques. Around 40 tonnes of CO2 emissions were also saved by minimising machinery fuel use.

    The plinths were reduced to rubble paving the way for full clearance of the turbine hall basement and arrival of the high reach excavators to dismantle the structure. Two 90 tonne safe working load cranes – each weighing 65 tonnes – were removed from their rails onto a landing pad ready for metal recycling.

    The first overhead crane coming off the rails

    More than 17,000 tonnes of concrete and rubble have been removed from the turbine hall, fire station and electrical annexe structures – that is more than the weight of the six million bricks used to build Battersea Power Station.  This waste was processed through a mobile crusher to reduce its size to a specification that enables it to be exported and re-used.

    A scrap metal contract has raised over £3 million income to date from the sale of the 11,000 tonnes removed during the de-plant and demolition phases. This revenue will be used to offset decommissioning costs.

    The project achieved a 95% recovery rate for construction and demolition waste, much higher than recent industrial averages, and further demonstrating the NRS commitment to minimising the environmental impact of decommissioning work and embedding sustainability without compromising on safety and efficiency. 

    February 2025

    David Rushton, NDA Programme Manager, said:  

    The successful demolition of the turbine hall brings skyline change to the Sizewell A site. The innovative use of explosives provides valuable learning for future decommissioning activities, and the segregation and reuse of demolition material supports the NDA’s sustainability targets.

    Andrew Bull, ONR’s Nominated Site Inspector at Sizewell A, added:

    We’ve worked very closely with NRS, adopting an enabling stance to allow the licensee to push forward with a modern, and at times, ground-breaking approach to accelerating this major dismantling project.

    ONR works hard to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden and add value. This has been no better demonstrated than for the removal of the Sizewell A turbine hall, where we have played a key role in this example of decommissioning the UK’s nuclear estate.

    We’ve been pleased to work with NRS in a constructive manner to regulate the ongoing clean-up of this important site – safely, securely and cost effectively.

    Concrete plinth weakened by explosives

    Watch the project unfold here

    The Sizewell A turbine hall story from construction to demolition – YouTube

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Communities urged apply for funding to bring their festival or event to life

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Community organisations are being urged not to miss out on help to bring their festival or event to life.

    Community organisations are being urged not to miss out on help to bring their festival or event to life. 

    Sunderland City Council is giving community groups, partnerships, community interest companies, and social enterprises the chance to apply for grant funding of between £100 and £10,000 to help make their event happen.

    Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, said: “We have some brilliant community events in our city such as the annual Summer Streets Festival and the Boxing Day Dip. 

    “Our Festival and Events Fund is all about encouraging exciting new and emerging events which bring people together and spark the creativity that we know is out there in spades in our communities.

    “Whether it’s help towards venue hire, artist fees, road closures, picnic boxes or posters, the aim of this funding is to help support communities with the costs of bringing their vision to life or growing their newly established festival or event.”

    The City Council is especially looking to support projects which engage local communities, create new, dynamic and creative experiences, promote sustainability and greener events and encourage equality, diversity and social cohesion.

    To be in with a chance of securing grant funding, organisations will need to complete an application form and be able to demonstrate how their project meets a range of criteria.

    These include:

    • A completely new event/festival with a comprehensive business plan; or  
    • An event/festival less than five years old in its current format but that is looking to include additional activity to improve event sustainability  
    • An event/festival aimed at developing the cultural offer within its locality or to appeal more widely across the North-East  
    • Supporting the local economy  
    • Engaging people from the local community  
    • To fill a gap in the tourist/cultural season  
    • To develop the skills of volunteers  
    • To maximise non-public sources of income, with a view to the event/festival being sustainable and not dependent on funding  
    • To promote equality and diversity  

    Only festivals and events that are being planned to take place before 31 March 2026 will be eligible for funding. 

    To find out more about the fund and apply: www.mysunderland.co.uk/Bring-your-event-to-Sunderland

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fruit and veg import checks scrapped ahead of UK-EU deal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Fruit and veg import checks scrapped ahead of UK-EU deal

    In advance of a new SPS agreement with EU, fruit and veg imports will require no fees or border checks – saving businesses time and money

    The government will scrap border checks on fruit and veg imported from the European Union in an early move to ease trade ahead of its new SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) deal with the EU.

    The agreement will establish a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary zone, slashing costs, easing pressure on food prices and eliminating routine SPS border checks for food exports and imports.

    This means that checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables (including tomatoes, grapes, plums, cherries, peaches, peppers, and more) imported from the EU will not be required – and will therefore not be brought into force this summer.

    In the short term, businesses can continue importing medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU without the products being subject to import checks or being charged associated fees.

    The SPS agreement will make food trade with the UK’s biggest market cheaper and easier. Cutting excessive red tape and fees for traders exporting to and importing from the EU will strengthen supply chains and reduce prices for businesses and consumers.

    Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:

    This government’s EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy and remove cumbersome border controls for businesses.

    A strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people as part of our Plan for Change.

    The easement of import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU was introduced as a temporary measure to provide businesses time to prepare for their implementation, and ensure a smooth flow of essential goods across the UK border.

    The easement of checks has now been extended from 1 July 2025 to 31 January 2027 as a contingency measure, following the government’s announcement that it will agree a new SPS deal with the EU.

    The details of the SPS agreement are now to be negotiated; traders must continue to comply with the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

    Protecting UK biosecurity remains a key government priority, and risk-based surveillance will continue to manage the biosecurity risks of these products.

    Defra will continue to work with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Border Control Post operators to maintain UK biosecurity while minimising disruption to the flow of goods.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How Economics Nearly Drove New England’s White-Tailed Deer to Extinction

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    With a desire to learn why people overuse natural resources, recent UConn Department of Anthropology graduate and affiliate research scientist Elic Weitzel ’24 Ph.D analyzes centuries-old deer bones to study unsustainable practices of the past to help lend insights into how we can avoid making the same mistakes and instead work toward a sustainable future.

    In research published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Weitzel builds upon his previous historical ecological studies on deer in precolonial New England to detail how the population changed post colonization. Estimated at around 30 million in what is now known as precolonial North America, the white-tailed deer population was overhunted and experienced a steep decline to between 300,000 and 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century.

    “Essentially, we know a lot about white-tailed deer from historical records and accounts, but much of that hasn’t been synthesized fully with the archeological data yet,” says Weitzel, who is now a Peter Buck Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. “With this paper, I started to bridge that gap, as a lot of my previous work focused on precolonial archeological sites, and in this paper, I’m looking at a 17th century site.”

    Animal bones excavated from the Morgan Site, a precolonial Wangunk tribal village located in what is now Rocky Hill, CT. Many of these bones are white-tailed deer. (Contributed photo)

    Weitzel analyzed white-tailed deer bones from two sites in the Connecticut River Valley. One site represented the precolonization time period, and the other represented the 17th century. He looked for evidence indicating the age of the animal and the animal’s body size, while also noting the abundance of bones of animals at different ages. More juveniles indicate higher hunting pressure, as hunters generally only take yearlings and fawns if they can’t get enough large adults.

    Weitzel found that white-tailed deer populations appeared to thrive prior to European colonization, when deer were large and abundant, with little to no evidence of hunting pressure from the Indigenous population. However, things soon changed.

    “Comparing the precolonial pattern to the mid-to-late 17th-century data set, the deer populations started to decline pretty early. A lot of the historical accounts focus on declines in the 19th century, but this paper, I think, finds some early evidence that it started very soon after Europeans showed up,” Weitzel says.

    A common explanation for animal population declines is overexploitation by a growing human population, which would have negatively impacted deer in the 18th and 19th centuries, but Weitzel says that doesn’t appear to be the case in the 17th century.

    “Native Americans were eating the meat, using the hides, using the antlers and the bones for tools and things, and they were certainly exchanging these deer and deer products to some extent,” says Weitzel. “But with the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century, you’re now integrating New England into the early mercantile capitalist economic system with new pressures, and deer as a natural resource are now being valued in a new way that’s designed for going after profit more than the utilitarian needs of people.”

    Weitzel says this case study yields interesting and vital lessons for understanding sustainable natural resource use.

    “The precolonial pattern, where white tailed deer populations were doing well prior to the arrival of Europeans, speaks to some level of sustainability in these Indigenous economic systems,” Weitzel says.

    One notable contrast between the systems, for example, is the vastly different definitions of what it meant to “own” the land. For Europeans, this meant that purchase gave full rights to use the resources however the owner wanted, even if it meant destroying that land, which is a very different definition from Indigenous understandings of ownership, says Weitzel.

    Another important insight from Weitzel’s work counters a popular and contentious argument for sustainability, that human populations put pressure on resources, therefore the best solution is to reduce the human population. Weitzel found human precolonization population levels were higher than in the 17th century, meaning that the hunting pressure on the deer population was not correlated with higher human populations.

    “All else being equal, fewer people will consume fewer resources, so there is an inherent sustainability with that, but I think it’s more complex. There’s a different system of ownership and resource management in Indigenous societies that I think is probably contributing to whatever degree of sustainability we’re seeing,” Weitzel says.

    Post-colonization, Native American populations declined precipitously, says Weitzel, due to disease and colonial violence. European settler populations were initially low and grew more rapidly in the 18th century, so the population argument falls flat because there was an overall human population low in the 17th century, when deer populations began to decline.

    It’s not just the existence of people on a landscape that inherently causes damage, says Weitzel, pointing out that humans have been an integral part of all sorts of ecosystems for 300,000 years in the case of our species, and longer in the case of our hominin ancestors.

    Elic Weitzel excavating at the Hollister Site – a 17th century English frontier homestead located in what is now South Glastonbury, CT – with volunteers from the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA). (Photo by Scott Brady)

    “Our species has had a wide variety of impacts on these ecosystems, and a lot of them have been beneficial and healthy,” Weitzel says. “It’s entirely possible for us, as just another animal, to integrate into these ecosystems in ways that are not inherently damaging.”

    Weitzel argues it was the shift to valuing nature in light of economics, not some inherently destructive tendency of human nature, that was at play in causing the deer population to crash. The misanthropic tendency to think humans are inherently bad for the planet leads to advocating for reducing human populations, Weitzel explains, and this narrative is often pushed by think tanks and prominent environmental advocates.

    “We must pay attention to the fact that even if you have fewer people, if the fewer people are still engaging in these extractive and exploitative economic practices, you’re still going to get ecological harm. Therefore, it’s not something inherent to our species or associated directly with large populations. In my mind, it really does come down to the economics,” says Weitzel. “I think that if we really want to pursue sustainability, we need to start seriously considering alternative economic structures that allow the broader public to influence these economic systems more democratically.”

    Weitzel says an additional detail that explains deer overexploitation comes down to another aspect of society – fashion.

    “What’s happening in the 17th century is interesting, because I feel a lot of it is driven by trends in clothing and fashion. There’s historical evidence that people are wearing much more elaborate outfits, oftentimes made of deerskin leather. It’s interesting how social signaling and this kind of communication that we engage in through the clothes might have inspired this increased exploitation of the deer populations that I saw in the 17th century” he says. “It’s a fascinating example of something that seems innocuous, like fashion and clothing, potentially causing quite severe problems.”

    It points to the troubling trend that has led to the decline or extinction of species across the globe, says Weitzel, “Once you start commodifying animals and commodifying nature, problems happen.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Robert Holzmann: Monetary policy and structural tectonic shifts

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests!

    Welcome to this year’s OeNB Annual Economics Conference in cooperation with SUERF.

    I would like to start by warmly welcoming everyone – whether you are joining us in person here at the OeNB or online. My sincere thanks go to our esteemed speakers, panelists and researchers for sharing their time and expertise. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those behind the scenes, whose hard work and dedication are making this event possible and enjoyable for us all.

    At last year’s conference, we explored the theme “The central bank of the future: opportunities and challenges.” And our discussions then laid important groundwork for the issues we are facing today. Over the past year, we have witnessed a series of substantial challenges, each with the potential to reshape the global economic landscape and, in turn, the very framework in which monetary policy must operate.

    It is in this context that we are approaching this year’s theme: “Monetary policy and structural tectonic shifts.” Much like how we feel and see tectonic shifts through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, our world has recently experienced economic and geopolitical tremors – disruptions that have shaken long-held assumptions and institutions. In my opening remarks, I will briefly highlight three key developments that reflect these shifts, offering insights into their implications and addressing the critical questions they pose for the future of monetary policy.

    Some reflections on the past twelve months

    Let me start by looking back. Since our last conference, the inflation landscape has shifted significantly. Following a period of sharp price increases, we took decisive monetary policy action that helped to stabilize the situation. Encouragingly, these efforts were fruitful, and in June 2024, we began a process of gradually reducing key interest rates. With seven consecutive rate adjustments, we brought the deposit facility rate down to its current level of 2.25%.

    However, the inflation surge and subsequent developments have also revealed new layers of complexity in maintaining price stability. Today, central banks must navigate an environment that is more intricate than ever before. Traditional tools often behave in unpredictable ways when used in times of global disruptions. During the recent inflationary period, the factors at the forefront of our concerns included disrupted supply chains, volatile energy markets and the ongoing unwinding of unconventional monetary policy instruments.

    As we look ahead, I believe we must approach the current challenges in two distinct blocks. First, what emerging trends would have shaped the economic and financial landscape if the current tectonic shifts originating in the United States had not occurred? In this context, I will touch on artificial intelligence, financial innovation and new insights into the natural rate of interest or r-star. Second, now, a couple of months into the second term of the Trump presidency, we find ourselves facing new challenges in truly uncharted territory. Frequently shifting economic signals from the United States continue to inject an added layer of unpredictability, further complicating the already complex task of policymaking.

    Three big challenges shaping the future of money and policy

    Let me briefly point out three big challenges we were already dealing with before Donald Trump got reelected. First, I would like to draw your attention to an innovation in the cryptocurrency sphere that has gained growing relevance and with a potential systemic impact: stablecoins. Unlike highly volatile crypto assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins are pegged to reference assets like the US dollar, offering greater price stability and edging closer to meeting the traditional functions of money. Dollar-pegged stablecoins such as Tether and USDC have grown substantially in both market capitalization and global reach. Yet, as highlighted by Fed Board Governor Christoph Waller, this rapid growth brings with it serious regulatory and monetary policy implications.1

    Second, also in the realm of technology, recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to fundamentally alter the way we live – and, by extension, the structure of the global economy. I suspect that most of today’s audience has already interacted with AI in some form, whether for highly productive purposes or perhaps for more casual experimentation. Yet, the broader implications of AI extend far beyond personal use. From reshaping entire industries to transforming the very nature of work, AI introduces both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. One critical issue is that traditional economic indicators may fall short in capturing the true impact of AI-driven innovation, especially in knowledge-based sectors (see Baily, Brynjolfsson and Korinek, 2023).

    Third, and this is where many of the points I have raised are coming together, the natural rate of interest, or r-star, has returned to center stage, with recent estimates suggesting a modest upward shift. In a recent paper, we examined the key factors influencing r-star. While overall productivity remains a fundamental driver, demographic trends also play a crucial role. Here, the outlook remains largely unchanged: our societies continue to age, and uncertainty persists about the long-term economic impact of migration. Therefore, pension reforms, such as raising the retirement age, could generate meaningful, and potentially lasting, upward effects on r-star (Breitenfellner et al., 2024).

    Let me now briefly touch on the enormous global investment needed to fight climate change and how this connects to r-star. According to the International Energy Agency, annual investment in clean energy must reach USD 4.5 trillion by 2030 so that we stay on track for the 1.5-degree target.2 Closing this gap through targeted public and private investment is not just a moral imperative butcan also raise the global natural rate of interest. Productive, climate-aligned capital deepens investment demand and improves growth prospects, especially in regions with untapped potential. In this way, the green transition can contribute not only to achieving climate goals but also to ensuring macroeconomic sustainability.

    Finally, central banks are very aware of the changing world and thus regularly engage in thorough reviews of their strategies. The Federal Reserve’s current review, for instance, focuses on two main areas: an analysis of its policy approach, and its tools for communicating policy. Notably, the Federal Open Market Committee’s 2% long-run inflation target is not part of this review. The Bank of Canada has reviewed its extraordinary policy actions during the COVID-19 crisis (ranging from emergency rate cuts to quantitative easing and forward guidance) and found that they had been crucial in stabilizing financial markets, supporting economic recovery.3 Also, the Eurosystem is currently engaged in an intermediate strategy review, incorporating the lessons of recent years to refine and enhance our policy decisions. This ongoing process underscores our commitment to continuously improving decision-making in a rapidly evolving environment. While some of these reviews are still ongoing, I expect that many of the topics we are discussing today will be part of them.

    A new US administration and the dramatic shifts it has unleashed

    In my view, these were the pressing issues of our time even before US President Trump was reelected. And now, in his new term, we have already seen an unprecedented series of tectonic shifts, not only economically, but also in terms of global organization and institutional dynamics. To make sense of where we stand today, let me offer some structure, outlining four key challenges that have emerged since President Trump took office.

    First, current US foreign and trade policies have triggered a series of events that continue to reverberate across Europe and the global economy. Frequent shifts in trade policy have fueled economic uncertainty, undermining stability and resulting in tangible losses for all parties involved. Yet, there is currently no clear consensus in the academic literature on how monetary policy should best respond to such persistent and politically driven uncertainty.

    Second, the Trump administration has decided to withdraw from important supranational initiatives and bodies, like the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization. Even membership in the International Monetary Fund is currently under question. The US leaving the IMF would drastically reduce the international role of the USA and the US dollar even more. When a major global economy becomes an unreliable partner, it puts significant additional strain on already fragile global markets, making economic forecasts more complex and policy decisions even more challenging in an already uncertain environment.

    Third, given this heightened uncertainty, the international role of the euro can be expected to grow. Amid erratic tariff decisions and threats to the Federal Reserve, global investors have shifted away from US assets toward gold, which leads to a depreciation of the US dollar. While this shift presents an opportunity for the euro to emerge as a more reliable and stable reserve currency, it also raises new questions for monetary policy. The well-known Triffin dilemma reminds us that countries issuing global reserve currencies are faced with the structural tension that builds when they must run trade deficits to provide global liquidity, even at the expense of long-term economic stability at home. For central banks, this creates a complex balancing act.

    Fourth, a United States that appears less committed to Western security significantly weakens the military capabilities of NATO and leaves Europe more vulnerable to external threats. In response to these shifting dynamics, European countries have initiated a review of their common defense strategy and announced substantial increases in defense spending. As these fiscal impulses begin to unfold across the economy, the Eurosystem must remain highly vigilant, closely monitoring any inflationary pressures and responding with determination if needed.

    How can we rethink monetary policy in a period of tectonic shifts?

    Central banks must constantly adapt to a changing environment. That is why the Eurosystem has committed to regularly reviewing its strategy. Indeed, as I have mentioned before, we are currently undertaking an intermediate strategy review. This process draws on the lessons of recent years to refine and strengthen our approach to policymaking. It reflects our firm commitment to continuously improving how we assess, decide and act in a rapidly evolving environment.

    In today’s sessions, we will hear from keynote speakers Daniel Gros of Bocconi University and Huw Pill of the Bank of England, alongside a panel of distinguished experts. Their insights will help bring together academic perspectives and policy practice, enriching our collective understanding. Tomorrow, we will delve deeper into recent academic research and consider its implications for the future of monetary policy.

    With that, I wish all of us a stimulating, thought-provoking and productive conference. I am confident that our discussions will not only deepen our understanding of the challenges ahead but also spark fresh ideas. Let us approach today’s tectonic shifts not merely as threats, but as opportunities to shape a more resilient and forward-looking monetary policy.

    Thank you!

    Bibliography

    Baily, M., E. Brynjolfsson and A. Korinek. 2023. Machines of mind: The case for an AI-powered productivity boom. Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/machines-of-mind-the-case-for-an-ai-powered-productivity-boom/ (accessed on May 13, 2025).

    Bloom, N. 2009. The impact of uncertainty shocks. In: Econometrica, 77 (3). 623–685.

    Bloom, N., M. Floetotto, N. Jaimovich, I. Saporta-Eksten and S. J. Terry. 2018. Really uncertain business cycles. In: Econometrica. 86 (3). 1031–1065.

    Breitenfellner, A., R. Holzmann, W. Pointner, A. Raggl, R. Sellner, M. Silgoner, A. Stelzer and A. Stiglbauer. 2024. How can a decline in R* be reversed? Productivity,  retirement age, and the green transition. OeNB Occasional Paper No. 9.

    Holston, K., T. Laubach and J. C. Williams. 2023. Measuring the Natural Rate of Interest after COVID-19 (No. 1063). Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Failed Covid contracts cost British taxpayer £1.4 billion

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Failed Covid contracts cost British taxpayer £1.4 billion

    New report commissioned by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, reveals multibillion price British taxpayers paid for reckless handling of Covid contracts

    • New report commissioned by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, reveals £multibillion price British taxpayers paid for reckless handling of Covid contracts
    • Previous government failure to test defective PPE leaves millions of taxpayer pounds unrecoverable  
    • It comes as Reeves drives work to recover £468 million for communities and public services, underlining commitment to investigate and account for every penny spent during the pandemic under the Plan for Change

    Failed pandemic-era PPE contracts cost the British taxpayer £1.4 billion, as an interim report commissioned by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, lays bare the scale of the scandal.

    The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s report reveals the price the British public has paid for undelivered contracts which saw taxpayer cash squandered on unusable PPE.

    The last government’s over-ordering of PPE, and delays in checking it, mean that £762 million is unlikely to ever be recovered. These failures saw substandard PPE – gowns, masks and visors – not inspected for two years, meaning public money could no longer be recouped.

    Now Reeves is going further and faster to recover the £468 million that could still be recovered from suppliers – money which the government will put back into communities and public services including the NHS, police and armed forces.

    Recovery action has so far resulted in £182 million being returned to the public purse, and PPE suppliers referred to the National Crime Agency for suspected fraud.

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

    The country is still paying the price for the reckless handling of Covid contracts which saw taxpayer pounds wasted and criminals profit from the pandemic.

    This investigation and plan to recover public money underlines our commitment to ensure that every penny spent during the pandemic is fully accounted for.

    We have always been clear that money poorly spent or fraudulently claimed belongs to the British people. This Government will bring criminals to justice and put taxpayer’s money back where it belongs – in the NHS, police and armed forces.

    Most of the wasted money went on surgical gowns. Over half (52%) were non-compliant, but because much of the defective PPE was not quality tested until after warranties had expired, there is little chance of recovering the money.

    This interim report marks the end of Phase one of Commissioner Tom Hayhoe’s investigation– scrutinising PPE contracts. The Commissioner has now begun work on Phase two, which will see it investigating fraud and error in other pandemic spending programmes such as furlough, bounce-back loans, Business Support Grants and Eat Out to Help Out.

    The Commissioner will provide a full update in a final report to the Chancellor at the conclusion of his term in December 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ACMD 3-year work programme 2025 to 2028: commissioning letter

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    ACMD 3-year work programme 2025 to 2028: commissioning letter

    Letter from Minister Johnson to the Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) setting out the priorities for ACMD’s work programme.

    Documents

    ACMD 3-year work programme 2025 to 2028: commissioning letter

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    Details

    This letter from Minister Johnson to the Chair of the ACMD sets out the Minister’s priorities for the ACMD’s next 3-year work programme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IBCA Community Update, 2 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    IBCA Community Update, 2 June 2025

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 2 June 2025

    Documents

    IBCA Community Update, 2 June 2025

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    Details

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 2 June 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foyle Cup Launch 2025 at St. Joseph’s Boys School

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Foyle Cup Launch 2025 at St. Joseph’s Boys School

    2 June 2025

    The Press Launch of the ONeills Foyle Cup took place on Friday at St Joseph’s Boys’ School Westway, Derry – a most appropriate venue as St. Joseph’s are not only the present holders of Northern Ireland Under 18 Schools’ Cup but also host the Manchester United Foundation and the Stephen Gerrard 17-19 Academy, organised by Derry City F.C. on their school campus. 

     School Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane, in introducing the large attendance at the launch, said: ‘It is a huge pleasure to support the Derry & District Youth F.A., organisers of the ONeills Foyle Cup and I  commend the work done by this organisation, not just for the kids of this city and district but for all the kids who have had a memorable experience of competing in the event over the thirty plus years of its existence, since  its humble beginnings in 1992.’ 

     The St. Joseph’s Principal continued: ‘I am delighted to hear that no fewer than 950 teams will compete in the 2025 event, resulting in over 20,000 actual participants creating lifelong memories and I’m even more delighted that our school premises will host some of the 3,300 fixtures scheduled this year!’ 

    John Murphy, on behalf of ONeills Sports, Title Sponsors, spoke proudly of what sponsorship of the Foyle Cup meant to his organisation. 

    ‘We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the ONeills Foyle Cup, a tournament that captures the very best of youth football, community spirit, and international connection. 

    ‘With 950 teams competing this year from places as far afield as South Africa, Australia, the USA, Canada, Spain, Finland, and across the UK and Ireland, the ONeills Foyle Cup is a powerful reminder of how sport brings people together. At ONeills, we’re committed to supporting young athletes from the grassroots up, and this event truly reflects our passion for helping them grow in confidence, skill, and love for the game. We hope every player, coach, and supporter has a fantastic tournament experience and enjoys every moment on and off the pitch.” 

    The Deputy Mayor of Derry Strabane District Council, Darren Guy expressed his delight in how the event delivers for the city and district. 

     ‘I am proud to attend the formal launch of the 2025 Foyle Cup. The tournament is rightly regarded as one of the biggest and best celebrations of youth football in Europe and is a place where players, coaches and supporters make lifelong memories. 

    ‘As a Council, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament each year and provide playing pitches for games as part of our commitment to bring high level sporting events to our City and District.  We believe sport can play a key role in promoting friendship, team skills and social cohesion. Good luck to all the teams as they finalise their preparations for what will be an unforgettable week of football in July.’ 

    Chief Executive Officer of Derry Credit Union, Joan Gallagher also expressed delight in being invited to sponsor the mini soccer events during the Foyle Cup week and spoke of the excitement the whole city, – kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, experience during the week of the tournament. A fantastic week for the city and district and we are so proud to be supporting this wonderful, exciting, colourful event.  

    Cyril Moorhead, Good Relations Officer at Choice Housing, praised the organisers, not just on the success of the event in terms of numbers registered but more  importantly, the tremendous work that has been done on a cross-community basis, actively promoting good relations and friendliness and welcome afforded to all visitors which is synonymous with the city and district. 

      

    ‘It is most pleasing to see how the Foyle Cup has grown into such a large international event and how much support the event has from local communities, schools, colleges, Ulster University and Northwest Regional College. 

      

    ‘The impact of the Foyle Cup is significant, from its contribution to the local economy to the impact it has on young people’s lives, their communities and the positive community relations that it builds. As a housing association, Choice is committed not only to building quality affordable homes but contributing positively to the communities that we operate in, this partnership is a prime example of this. 

      

    ‘I wish the organisers continued success this year and, in the years, ahead.’ 

      

    Special Guest of Honour, Rory Holden, a player who participated in the Foyle Cup for many years with his local team, Top of the Hill Celtic, said he was ever thankful to the organisers and his own junior club, for without the effort of so many, it is doubtful if he would be having the enriching experience of  playing with his own professional club, All Saints from Wales, having played in Champions’ League and Europa league competitions this year. 

    ‘This event continues to thrive, grow and delivers for all our youth – boys, girls and those with sports disabilities. It is a real pleasure to be here to celebrate the success of this superb tournament.’ 

    Philip Devlin, Foyle Cup committee member, in taking charge of the live draw, advised all that details of the draw were available on the tournament website www.foylecup.com and he expected that fixtures for the full week would be on site within 36 hours of launch.  He also thanked all teams for their support and co-operation and wished them well in the tournament, from July 21-26. 

    Diolain Ward, of Foyle Cup committee member, concluded the launch event. 

    ‘Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to be here this evening. In particular, I would like to thank our sponsors – Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, ONeills, Derry Credit Union, Choice Housing, Seagate, Inner City Trust, Brunswick Moviebowl, Ulster University and North West Regional College.  Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Rory Holden for spending some of his much-valued time at home, with us, this afternoon and I wish him, on behalf of the member clubs of the Derry & District Youth Football Association, even more success in his football career.’ 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Day ’25 is set to hit all the right notes!

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester’s favourite day of the year is back for 2025 and looks set to hit all the right notes with a mammoth day of music-themed free fun promised for all the family on Saturday 26 July to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.

    With 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer and a massive line-up of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city, this year’s Manchester Day aims to get everyone in the groove.

    The city council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that promises something for music fans of all ages, and all musical abilities or none – from the virtuoso violinist to the can’t-sing-a-note novice.

    From English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage – this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

    With activities taking place in St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in-between, there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors young and old to get stuck in, or to try their hand at music-making and uncover that hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.

    And with a setlist that includes strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-a-longs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, visitors will want to make sure they get down early and not miss a beat.

    The day will also see a music takeover of the route from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a musical meander through the city streets as a music-filled mini parade makes its way from the square, along Deansgate, to the Cathedral.  

    Sure to be one of the highlights of the day, expect toe-tapping sounds and surprises all the way as two huge Griffins lead the parade with fantastical birds and other winged creatures in tow, all swooping their way along the parade route.

    Accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian-inspired brass from Jubacana, drumming from Manchester Dhol Players and a giant Dhol drum, along with the percussive rhythms of Manchester Batala, and performers from community groups across the city including the Anglo Filipino Club, the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Greater Manchester’s Youth network, Manchester’s Lithuanian Society and more – the mini parade looks set to get everyone moving and in the music groove.

    Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day. 

    “Everyone in Manchester loves music. Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it. And that’s why everyone’s on the guestlist for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.

    “We’ve got a fantastic day lined up so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it!”

    Proceedings on the day get underway at 12 noon with final encores at 5 pm.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major boost to Council housing company as new funding backer announced to accelerate home building in Manchester

    Source: City of Manchester

    The Council is set to enter into a landmark partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to deliver hundreds of genuinely affordable homes as part of plans to build 1,600 more homes.

    GMPF has been selected, through a competitive process, as the investment partner for the next phase of development by This City, the Council’s housing company. The Council’s Executive is being asked to endorse the creation of a new joint venture with GMPF to deliver the second phase of This City development when it meets on 4 June.  

    This City’s first flagship project, No.1 Ancoats Green, is nearing completion – with 129 low carbon homes created next to the brilliant new green space and park at Ancoats Green. 30% of these will be available at the Manchester Living Rent, capped at the rent level which can be covered by housing benefit to make sure they are affordable to as many people as possible.  

    The initial pipeline for phase two consists of 1,583 homes on Council-owned brownfield sites across the city. At least 20% of these new homes will be affordable homes to rent. This City also has a strong emphasis on sustainability through low carbon homes, and on community.  

    Postal Street in the Northen Quarter, Piccadilly is the most advanced of the phase two sites with a planning application expected to be submitted in the coming weeks for 126 new homes – 20% of them affordable and to be let at the Manchester Living Rent.  

    Engagement with local communities in Monsall and Longsight started earlier this year, beginning a conversation with local people about proposals for sites in their areas. While formal consultation will be undertaken later this year with local people in the Grey Mare Lane estate in east Manchester around proposals for new housing as part of the major estate regeneration that will deliver 100s of new affordable homes in this part of Beswick 

    Future This City sites include: 

    Postal Street, Piccadilly: 126 new homes  

    Hyde Road, Longsight: 85 homes 

    Monsall, Harpurhey: 750 homes 

    Grey Mare Lane, Ancoats and Beswick: 136 homes 

    Downing Street, Ardwick: 166 homes 

    Heyrod Street, Piccadilly: 256 homes 

    Kirkmanshulme Lane, Longsight: 64 homes 

    Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said:

    “This City is about accelerating home building on Council-owned land so that we can build the homes that Manchester needs on our own terms. These homes will contribute to our housing strategy target to deliver at least 36,000 new homes up to 2032 – and at least 10,000 of these homes will be social, Council or genuinely affordable.  “These are ambitious numbers and we are on track to meet them. For example, last year we built more council and social homes than any year for more than a decade, but we want to go even further. We plan to build new council and social housing in every part of the city and being creative, using our land and building the homes ourselves, we will do just that. And having the Greater Manchester Pension Fund on board gives us the financial boost to go further and build much needed low cost, low carbon homes for Manchester residents.” 
     

    Cllr Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development, said:

    “Having Greater Manchester Pension Fund on board with This City as an institutional investor will help us deliver at scale the new housing, including significant amounts of affordable housing, which Manchester needs.  
    “We’re seeing a step change and acceleration in the delivery of affordable housing, with more being built now than at any point in the last 12 years and with even more in the pipeline.” 
     

    Cllr Eleanor Wills, Chair of GMPF, said:

    “We are acutely aware of the severe housing crisis both nationally and in the North-West region. This is why we are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Manchester City Council investing in the “This City” vehicle that supports the Government’s plan to provide much-needed affordable homes for hardworking families while ensuring strong, low-risk returns to secure the pensions of our members.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £106 million to reduce waiting times

    Source: Scottish Government

    Longest waits to be targeted.

    More than £106 million has been allocated to health boards to help tackle the longest waits for procedures and operations.

    The funding has been assigned to specialty areas for the year ahead where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits – this includes £25 million for trauma and orthopaedics, £21 million for imaging, £14 million for cancer treatment and more than £12 million for ophthalmology.

    The investment is part of the £200 million announced as part of the Programme for Government to build capacity, tackle delayed discharge and improve patient flow through hospitals.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “This government is focussed on taking the action needed to cut waiting lists – significant activity is already underway through this additional investment which will help us target the longest waits for treatment.

    “We are determined to reduce patient waits in the year ahead and this £106 million of additional funding will help us to deliver more than 150,000 extra appointments and procedures in 2025-26. This funding is just part of our record investment of £21.7 billion for health and social care this year.

    “Last year, health boards vastly exceeded the commitment to deliver 64,000 appointments and procedures – instead delivering more than 105,000 through our targeted approach.  This investment will allow us to build on this progress and deliver tangible improvements for patients.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Newly planted trees vandalised around Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Newly planted trees have been vandalised around Portsmouth, hampering efforts to increase the city’s tree numbers.

    Five young trees were damaged in St George’s play park, Portsea. It follows similar recent acts of vandalism to small numbers of new trees at Stamshaw Park, Buckingham Green and Great Salterns Recreation Ground.

    Around 2,500 trees were planted by Portsmouth City Council teams and residents over the winter, as part of a wider project to increase tree numbers across the city.

    Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, said:

    “Because we’re a city, our tree numbers are lower than other more rural areas, so our planting work is especially important because trees bring so many benefits. They help to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall, provide important shade in hot weather, are good for improving local air quality, and help with people’s wellbeing.

    “Each year we get a limited amount of funding for new trees, and it takes considerable effort and resource to plant and care for them. For example, residents have been helping our teams to water young trees during the recent dry spell to help them establish, showing the huge community effort involved.

    “So it’s extremely sad to see this senseless vandalism taking place by a few people, which undermines the hard work of our teams and our communities.”

    Thanks to Portsea residents quickly reporting the recent damage, some of the trees were replanted to give them a chance of survival.

    The council is calling on residents to report any incidents of damaged trees by calling 023 9283 4092 or emailing cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wolverhampton Art Gallery celebrates 5 years of volunteer programme success

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Since its launch, the programme has welcomed individuals from all walks of life, offering meaningful opportunities to engage with the arts, develop new skills, and build confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment.

    Wolverhampton Arts and Culture service has 48 regular volunteers, who collectively contributed an impressive 12,936 hours of their time over the past 12 months.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of what we do, they help bring our exhibitions and events to life by creating a welcoming environment for visitors and sharing in the stories behind the art.

    “We’re excited to welcome new faces and help them grow their skills while being part of something truly inspiring.”

    Melaine Addis, Senior Operations Officer said: “Our volunteers bring warmth, enthusiasm, and a sense of community to everything we do. Their stories are inspiring, and their impact is immeasurable.

    “The oldest volunteer is 81 years old and our youngest 18. Volunteering offers a rewarding way to engage with the vibrant arts and culture community across Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Bantock House Museum. There are many reasons people join us for volunteering; we have young people who want to gain experience in the creative sector, retired people who would like something new to do and some of our volunteers are looking for work based experience and training to help them into work.”

    The gallery works closely with local organisations to ensure the programme is accessible to all, supporting over a third of the volunteer team with additional access needs. Volunteers are encouraged every step of the way, and many have gone on to further education, employment, or simply found a renewed sense of purpose through their involvement.

    From welcoming visitors and supporting exhibitions to assisting with workshops and events, volunteers play a vital role in shaping the gallery’s cultural offering. Their contributions have not only enriched the visitor experience but also transformed their own lives.

    Our volunteer stories highlight the programme’s impact:

    John started working as a volunteer and now works casually as a visitor assistant as well as continuing as a volunteer – “Volunteering gets me out of the house and keeps me busy. I work with nice people and have made some new friends. I think it gives me more confidence and has helped show me I am more capable than I believed. I really enjoy helping in the shop.”

    Maya started working as a volunteer in 2024 and has grown in confidence over the past 12 months, regularly helping with events in the gallery – “I like to focus on my job and keep myself busy. I help customers find where things are in the art gallery. It gives me more confidence, the people that I work with are nice and the staff I work with are kind and have respect, I can talk to them if I have any problems. I enjoyed it so much that I now go in 4 days a week instead of 2.”

    Kieran first came to the gallery as a work placement for Walsall College’s SEND students and stayed on after it was completed – “I do enjoy just doing my job and helping people around the gallery, helping out with craft club and showing new volunteers around gives me the confidence to have a go at things and learn new skills that I never knew were there.”

    As the gallery celebrates this milestone, it also looks ahead with excitement, continuing to build partnerships, support volunteers, and welcome new faces into its creative community.

    Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week, with flexible scheduling available to suit individual availability, training will also be provided.
    If you’re interested in becoming a part of Wolverhampton’s cultural story, join the team on Saturday 7 June , from 11am to 3pm, and see where volunteering could take you.

    The volunteer team at Wolverhampton Art Gallery are finalists in the BID Excellence Awards for Team of the Year. The winning team will be announced on Thursday 10 July.

    For more information, please visit Wolverhampton Arts and Culture or email art.gallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

    A short film featuring our current volunteers is also available to view, offering insight into the experience and the rewarding opportunities available through the programme:

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Campaign to find recycling champions opens

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    A campaign to find people who go above and beyond when it comes to reuse and recycling opened today for residents living in several local communities.

    People living in Altens, Cove, Kincorth, Nigg, Torry, and Tullos are being asked to nominate themselves as a “recycling champion”, with five successful nominees to be rewarded with an Aberdeen gift voucher, worth £25, and the Council will spread their message on its new “Go Green Aberdeen” Facebook page.

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Communities are at the heart of how we reuse and recycle what we no longer need.

    “This campaign aims to harness local voices to spread the message of how to improve habits for the benefit of everyone.

    “The Council is looking for committed groups or individuals who go above and beyond with creative and effective ways to manage waste and recycling in their community. Examples of positive action could include repairing old items, sorting waste, arranging litter picks, and helping others.”

    Net Zero, Environment, and Transport vice-convenor Councillor Miranda Radley added: “Reducing what we waste, and reusing or recycling what we can, forms an increasingly important part of our lives.

    “We’re urging anyone who thinks they could be a champion to put themselves forward. And for everyone across the eligible communities to help spread the word about the campaign to help us find our champions.”

    The nomination form, along with terms and conditions for entry, can be found online. The deadline for entries is 5pm on 18 June. Entry is open to everyone living in the eligible communities, as long as they are 12 years old or older.

    The campaign will act as a test to assess how using local voices can encourage others to improve their reuse and recycling habits. If successful, other communities will be invited to take part in future campaigns.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New sports hall to be developed at Lyng Hall Secondary School

    Source: City of Coventry

    L to R: Colin McVeigh – GEDA GB Director, Paul Melia – Clerk of Works at Coventry City Council, Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu – Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council, Sam Parker – Education Sufficiency Lead at Coventry City Council

    The development of a new sports hall has got underway at Lyng Hall Secondary School.

    Following discussions between Lyng Hall School and Coventry City Council, it was agreed that additional sports facilities are needed to accommodate the growing number of students. As a result, a new four-court sports hall will be built.

    The new court will be a standalone sports area which will be home to four badminton sized courts, associated changing rooms, a weights room and a fitness suite.

    The new facility will be an excellent addition to the school PE curriculum and able to serve the wider community better.

    Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “Every child in the city deserves to have the best education. That’s why we agreed to this new sports facility for pupils at Lyng Hall School. The new development will offer advanced facilities for students to learn and for staff to teach at the school.

    “It’s going to be a huge asset for whole school community upon completion. I’m looking forward to seeing the development work progress.”

    Contractor, GEDA, an award-winning, multifaceted Construction, Civil Engineering, and Development company will be completing the works.

    Colm McVeigh, Build Director at GEDA said: “At GEDA, we recognise the significant impact that sports facilities have on schools and their communities. We are excited to continue collaborating with Coventry City Council to expand the sporting opportunities available to students, ensuring the school’s long-term needs are met by providing pupils with access to top-tier sports resources.”

    The new sports hall is estimated to cost around £2.3m and is due to be completed by late 2025.

    To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

    Monday, 2nd June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A film about long healing walk by the sea, the end of a dystopian series and a whimsical comfort watch – what to see, watch, read and listen to this week

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Naomi Joseph, Arts + Culture Editor

    At The Conversation, we are big believers in the health benefits of being near the sea. In fact, we have a whole series dedicated to how our health is intrinsically linked with that of the ocean, called Vitamin Sea. The idea of how the coast can heal is explored in the bestselling memoir The Saltpath, which has been adapted for the screen, and stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.

    Anderson plays Raynor Winn who documented the whirlwind period that began with her husband Moth being given a terminal diagnosis. In the same week, they also lost their home. In the face of this, the couple made a wild decision: to take a 630-mile year-long coastal walk from Somerset to Dorset, through Devon and Cornwall.

    The South West Coast Path has over 115,000 feet of ascent and descent, which is equivalent to scaling Mount Everest four times. In this piece, lecturer in the history of science and the environment, Lena Ferriday explores how this decision might not have been as mad as it might seem.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    The Winns’ decision to walk the path is part of a long history of people seeking wellness and recovery on England’s south-west coast. From taking in the clean air on long gentle walks to bathing in cold waters, it was common for the sickly to be prescribed a trip to the sea. And, as the Winns discover in this beautiful film, they find respite and connection in that history.

    Reply to this email to let us know if you have any thoughts on the healing qualities of the coast. We would also love you to answer our poll letting us what you think is the best nature memoir of our of favourite five. If your favourite isn’t there, email us its name.

    The Saltpath is in select cinemas now



    Read more:
    The Salt Path taps into a long history of searching for healing on England’s south-west coast

    The first season of The Handmaid’s Tale aired in 2017 in the early months of the first Trump presidency. Now in its sixth season, the drama is ending in the early months of the second Trump presidency. In that time, the show and its iconography have become synonymous with feminist resistance.

    When the Canadian writer Margaret Atwood first wrote The Handmaid’s Tale in 1985, Donald Trump was a mere real estate mogul. Some say it is eerie how she foresaw rising authoritarianism in the United States as well as the erosion of women’s rights. However, Atwood didn’t see the tale as science fiction, everything she wrote, she stressed, had already happened or was happening somewhere.

    In this piece, Canadian literature expert Sharon Engbrecht writes about Atwood has made many similar educated predictions about where the roots laid in history will come up in the future. While the last series does deviate somewhat from Atwood’s follow-up The Testaments, it is very much in-line with her view of the world. Hopefully, this last season ends in a much more hopeful place.

    The Handmaid’s Tale is airing on channel 4



    Read more:
    _The Handmaid’s Tale_ reflects Margaret Atwood’s eerie talent for reading the palm of power

    If you’re looking for something a bit more low stakes and whimsical then can we recommend checking out the film The Phoenician Scheme. Wes Anderson is a director with a very distinct vision, you can spot a work by him a mile away. This is what makes a director an auteur.

    Fans of his work have come to expect a few things from his films. The first is a star-studded ensemble. The second, a distinct colour palette. The third, boundless whimsy. The Phoenician Scheme has all of this, which as our expert in film Daniel O’Brien notes, will make some of you love it and others hate it.

    I like Wes Anderson films. They are incredibly charming and visually delicious. The Phoenician Scheme has more solid narrative than some of his recent films, which I, for one, welcome. It follows wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) after he makes his only daughter (Mia Threapleton), a nun, the sole heir to his estate before embarking on a new money-making scheme. Andersonian hijinks and shenanigans ensue as the pair dodge danger in the form of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins.

    The Phoenician Scheme is in cinemas now

    The Coin by Yasmin Zaher is a bold debut novel about a young Palestinian woman who is struggling to keep it together. On the surface of things she has it all: she is a teacher at a New York city middle school, she is rich, stylish and meticulously clean. However, buried within her sits history that won’t leave her alone. To be precise, inside her sits an Israeli shekel that she accidentally swallowed on a family road trip during which her parents were killed.

    The knowledge of the coin and all it represents tears at the narrator, not letting her know peace. She is pushed to desperate acts in order to gain some sort of control over mind and body. But the coin does not relent. It won’t let her be. She is neither here nor there, in the US or Palestine. In this piece, literature expert Daniel G. Williams explains why he and his fellow judges awarded this debut the 2025 Dylan Thomas Prize.



    Read more:
    The Coin by Palestinian writer Yasmin Zaher wins the Dylan Thomas Prize – an expert from the judging panel explains why

    I love Pulp. One of my formative festival memories is watching a lanky Jarvis Cocker hump a giant neon Pulp sign while singing Disco 2000 at Reading festival. I was at a liberal arts uni at the time and the lyrics of Common People had never made more sense to me.

    As expert in popular music Mark Higgins writes, it’s a common misconception that Pulp were Brit Pop. In fact, they were founded in 1978 and their sound and whole shtick were quite a part from the 60’s mania of Britpop boy bands. Listening to the first single of this album Higgins notes, however, that the nostalgia for a better time seems to have hit Pulp belatedly as they wax lyrical about 90s.

    Next week, the band release their first album since 2001’s We Love Life. In the lead up to the release of their album More, I have been rediscovering their back catalogue and I would highly recommend you all do the same this sunny weekend.

    More by Pulp is out June 6



    Read more:
    Pulp are back and more wistfully Britpop than before

    – ref. A film about long healing walk by the sea, the end of a dystopian series and a whimsical comfort watch – what to see, watch, read and listen to this week – https://theconversation.com/a-film-about-long-healing-walk-by-the-sea-the-end-of-a-dystopian-series-and-a-whimsical-comfort-watch-what-to-see-watch-read-and-listen-to-this-week-257849

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Godiva Festival opens volunteer opportunities for 2025

    Source: City of Coventry

    Join the crew for Godiva Festival and apply to be a volunteer for 2025.

    This week is national Volunteers Week and Godiva Festival, one of the UK’s most anticipated music festivals which is held annually in Coventry, is thrilled to announce a range of exciting opportunities to volunteer at the event.

    Godiva Festival is back in the stunning War Memorial Park, Coventry, from 4-6 July.

    Be among the team of local volunteers supporting the event crew across a wide range of roles and experiences that could include: 

    • Front of House: welcoming and supporting spectators.
    • Street Theatre Escorts: accompanying roaming street performers.
    • Family Field Team: guiding families, supporting performances, arts and crafts activities.

    Across the weekend, War Memorial Park will play host to Coventry’s flagship event with a line-up packed with genres that music lovers and families can enjoy from pop to rock and 2-tone to hip hop.

    Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Events, said: “This is a great opportunity for residents to get involved in the flagship summer festival in Coventry. There are lots of exciting volunteering roles from “meeting and greeting” festival goers as they arrive to supporting performers, all the while promoting Coventry as the welcoming city it is.

    “It has been shown that volunteering is great for health and social wellbeing and with the incentives including free access to the festival, this is a lovely opportunity to be part of something really special.”

    David Boughey MBE, EnV said: “The annual Godiva Festival certainly ranks high amongst the highlight moments over the years that the volunteers and I come away from thinking “Wow! What a weekend!” We are really looking forward to welcoming new and existing team members again this year who will be providing their time, energy and support to help make Godiva Festival 2025 great for everyone who visits!”

    In addition to the range of health and social benefits volunteering brings, some incentives on offer for Godiva Festival Volunteers can include access to the festival, complimentary lunch pack and festival site parking and a truly unique experience at a large-scale event working with EnV, a Queen’s Award-winning social enterprise for volunteering.

    Pete, Godiva Festival Volunteer Team Leader in 2024, said: “Being a Godiva Festival Volunteer is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an exciting event for Coventry. It is great to welcome all the visitors as well as help and support across lots of activities for all the family. I enjoy being able to make a difference! Taking part in events with EnV is like joining a big, supportive family but with the extra plus knowing you are supporting the city.”

    Applicants must be 18 or over.

    Find out more and apply online.

    The Godiva Festival volunteer programme is being managed and coordinated by EnV (Coventry) CIC.

    Godiva Festival is proudly delivered by Coventry City Council. BBC CWR is the official media partner. Music Smart sponsors the Godiva Calling competition, and Coventry College sponsors the Family Field. 

    For Godiva Festival Volunteer enquiries and questions, you can contact the EnV Volunteer team at env.volunteers@env.uk.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Skills England priorities 2025 to 2026

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Skills England priorities 2025 to 2026

    A letter from Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, to the joint chief executives of Skills England.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Skills England priorities 2025 to 2026

    PDF, 127 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    A letter from Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, to the joint chief executives of Skills England, setting the priorities for Skills England for 2025 to 2026.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour accused of moving the goalposts on NHS waiting times – but “still managed to miss them”

    Source: Party of Wales

    Latest NHS performance data shows Labour Government in Wales missing targets on countless measures.

    Latest NHS activity and performance summary released today (Thursday, 22 May 2025) for March and April 2025 has shown the Labour Government in Wales have missed a vast series of targets aimed at reducing waits in the Welsh NHS.

    One significant target missed is the First Minister’s target to reduce two year waits to 8,000 by the Spring of 2025, a target set after missing the Welsh Government’s initial target of eradicating two year waits by March 2023. The Welsh Government have been accused of “moving the goalposts and still missing” by Plaid Cymru’s health spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor.

    A series of other historical targets are still being missed by the Welsh government. These include:

    • Target: No one waiting for longer than a year for their first outpatient appointment by the end of 2022 (a target established in the planned care recovery plan).
      • Reality: the number of pathways waiting longer than one year for their first outpatient appointment was 71,000
    • Target: maximum wait for access to specified diagnostic tests is 8 weeks, and maximum wait for access to specified therapy services is 14 weeks – to be achieved by Spring 2024.
      • Reality: 35,200 patient pathways were waiting longer than the target time for diagnostics and 4,000 patient pathways waiting longer than the target time for therapies.
    • Target: No patients waiting longer than one year in most specialities by Spring 2025
      • Reality: Of the total pathways, 155,800 were waiting more than one year

    The Government has also missed a series of rolling targets, including:

    • Target: 65% of red calls (immediately life-threatening, someone is in imminent danger of death, such as a cardiac arrest) to have a response within 8 minutes.
      • Reality: Only 50.9% of red calls arrived within 8 minutes
    • Target: 95% of new patients should spend less than 4 hours in emergency departments from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge.
      • Reality: Only 67.7% of patients spent less than 4 hours in emergency departments
    • No patient waiting more than 12 hours in emergency departments from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge.
      • In April, 10,186 patients waited 12 hours or more in emergency departments.
    • Target: 95% of patients waiting less than 26 weeks from referral.
      • Reality: Only 55.2% of patients have been waiting less than 26 weeks.
    • Target: No patients waiting more than 36 weeks for treatment from referral.
      • Reality: 268,400 patient pathways had been waiting more than 36 weeks (34.0%)
    • Target: At least 75% of patients should start treatment within 62 days (without suspensions) of first being suspected of cancer.
      • Reality: Only 63.5% of pathways started their first definitive treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer.

    Plaid Cymru have criticised the Labour Government’s mismanagement of the NHS over the last 26 years of power, accusing them of running the Welsh NHS into ‘the ground’, by ‘constantly’ missing targets with ‘no real sign of change’.

    Plaid Cymru spokesperson on Health, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: 

    “Hundreds of thousands of people on waiting lists, over 8,000 of those waiting over two years. The fact that any Government is trying to claim that as a win, is a sign of how far down the road of Labour mismanagement we are.

    “A record of constant failure and missed targets – that is the record of this Labour Government when it comes to our NHS. A record of people waiting too long, not getting the service they deserve – a record of failure.

    “Even after moving the goalposts from their original target of eradicating two-year waits in 2023, Labour have still managed to miss their targets. Not only that, but on every single performance indicator – Labour have missed their targets.

    “An NHS run into the ground, and waiting lists as long as this simply isn’t as good as it gets for Wales, our NHS can be so much more than this. With a new government with a credible plan for our NHS, a plan to reduce waiting lists and reform our NHS for the future. That is what Plaid Cymru offers in 2026.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Forgotten assets to help families and young people thrive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Forgotten assets to help families and young people thrive

    First ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy unlocks £440 million funding

    • First ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy unlocks £440 million funding for people and communities who need it most – redirecting money from long-unused accounts to important social causes
    • Money will get young people involved in music, drama and sport, plus give thousands of vulnerable households access to affordable loans, delivering opportunity through Plan for Change
    • Financial institutions including JP Morgan and AON welcomed to No11 today, as Chancellor and Culture Secretary encourage them to participate in the Scheme and support local communities

    Families struggling with sudden costs and young people in deprived areas will get vital help, as £440 million from forgotten assets is put to work in communities across England through the first-ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy.

    This includes £132.5 million to give young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods new chances to take part in music, sport and drama to build skills for the future, improve their employment opportunities and ensure access is no longer the preserve of a privileged few. 

    A further £132.5 million will benefit those in financially vulnerable circumstances, providing them with the affordable credit and support they need to manage their money well. This will mean that people facing money worries will have a safety net for when things go wrong – from a broken fridge to an unexpected car repair – instead of leaving them at the mercy of loan sharks.

    Local charities and community groups will also get extra funding, so they can run projects like food banks, youth clubs, and community events. This support will help bring people together, tackle loneliness, and make neighbourhoods safer and friendlier for everyone.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed major financial institutions including JP Morgan, Schroders, AON, Jupiter Asset Management, Aberdeen Group and other industry champions into No11 Downing Street today, highlighting the tangible difference this money can make to local communities and encouraging future participation to support these important causes.

    Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said:

    “From supporting young people and enhancing financial inclusion to driving social investment, this transformational funding will reach some of the most disadvantaged areas across the country and have a real impact on people’s lives as we deliver our Plan for Change. 

    “Made possible thanks to the ongoing support of our industry partners, I’ve been delighted to speak to financial institutions today as we look to bring in new sectors to support growth and drive opportunity across England.”

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: 

    “We’re turning forgotten assets into fresh opportunities by unlocking £440 million that would otherwise be sitting idle to help young people realise their potential, and ensure vulnerable families aren’t excluded from the financial products they need. Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing communities and boosting opportunities to deliver growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”

    Chris Cummings, CEO of the Investment Association said: 

    “We look forward to the further expansion of the Dormant Assets Scheme to the investment and wealth management sector. The Scheme has the potential to deliver real positive change to communities across the UK and our industry both warmly supports the initiative and is committed to exploring participating at the earliest opportunity.  

    “The Dormant Assets Scheme is an important opportunity for our industry to come together with government and deliver a positive, measurable social and environmental impact.”

    The Dormant Assets Scheme has successfully released £1 billion to date to support thousands of frontline organisations and individuals in some of the most disadvantaged communities across the country. Funding has been channelled into a range of initiatives including tackling youth homelessness, supporting charities with the cost of living and breaking down barriers to financial inclusion to help vulnerable groups.

    The £440 million package announced today represents a significant uplift with an estimated £90 million over previously announced figures set to become available through the Scheme in England by 2028.

    Allocations set out in the Strategy will drive forward the growth and opportunity missions in the government’s Plan for Change, with full distributions to include: 

    • £132.5 million for young people with funding going to services, facilities and opportunities to provide them with the skills and resources needed to succeed 
    • £132.5 million for financial inclusion and education, equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge to build financial security
    • £87.5 million for social investment to strengthen the financial resilience of the voluntary sector, including £12.5 million reaching organisations that support youth outcomes
    • £87.5 million for community wealth funds, which will empower local people to make decisions about their communities, creating stronger neighbourhoods.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Dormant Assets scheme redirects money from long-unused financial accounts to social causes, while preserving the original owners’ right to reclaim their funds. 
    • The Dormant Assets Strategy sets out this government’s bold vision for the pioneering Dormant Assets Scheme, unlocking funds to support the communities who need it most and is available to view here. 
    • The Strategy for the Scheme is centered around three long-term objectives: 
      • Achieving long-term systems change through innovative programmes.
      • Protecting the integrity of the Scheme and its funding.
      • Becoming the best practice standard mechanism to deal with dormancy.
    • The Strategy reaffirms the importance of the collaboration between government and the financial services sector to make a success of the Dormant Assets Scheme

    • Last year, the government committed between the four named causes of the Scheme – financial inclusion, youth, social investment and community wealth funds – to break down barriers and drive growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    • Participants in today’s roundtable included representatives from JP Morgan, Schroders, AON, Jupiter Asset Management, Aberdeen Group, alongside industry champions from across banking, investment, wealth management, insurance and pensions sectors.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

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