NewzIntel.com

Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local cruise ship levy could raise over £1 million

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    A Getty image of a cruise ship docked near Leith in the Firth of Forth

    A cruise ship levy could help to ensure residents benefit from Edinburgh’s popularity as a cruise ship stop.

    In a formal response to be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy consultation, the council has expressed strong support in principle for a levy to help it manage tourism sustainably at Edinburgh’s ports.

    The response also calls for any legislation to be based on evidence and involve greater consultation with ports and the cruise ship industry, as well as close working with other local authorities and regional partners.

    Close to 217,500 cruise ship passengers visit Edinburgh and the region annually, with a significant number docking in Leith, Newhaven and South Queensferry. Currently, passengers are exempt from paying local visitor levies.

    While any legislation to introduce a national Cruise Ship Levy is still to be developed, comparisons to similar sized destinations suggest it could raise over one million pounds for Edinburgh and the region.

    Council Leader Jane Meagher said:

    Next summer we’ll become the first city in Scotland to launch a visitor levy, but under the Scottish Government’s legislation cruise ship passengers will be exempt.

    We consider it fair to treat all overnight visitors to Edinburgh the same, whether they choose to stay in a hotel, a short-term let, a campsite or a cruise ship.

    With public finances under increasing pressure, we believe this legislation should be used to empower councils to raise more income locally to better manage cruise ship tourism and pollution in our waters. As such, income raised should be ringfenced for the local area.

    In our waters we’re seeing more ships docking year on year, larger ships, and with that comes an environmental impact. Cruise ship tourism affects local communities and services just as other tourism does.

    You can view the City of Edinburgh Council’s draft response to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy Consultation. A final version will be submitted shortly, including amendments agreed at a meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 27 May.

    Published: May 29th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A warm welcome at Thorney Close Family Hub

    Source: City of Sunderland

    The Thorney Close Family Hub has been officially opened by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque during a celebratory family fun day for parents, grandparents, carers, children and babies.

    The hub provides services across the west of Sunderland from conception up until the age of 19, or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

    Visiting on one of his first official duties as the city’s new mayor, Councillor Haque said: “Thorney Close Family Hub joins Sunderland’s four other hubs offering a fantastic range of free sessions and activities and a welcome place for parents and carers to get advice and support.

    “Family Hubs are where Sunderland’s future – its children – come to play, explore, learn and have fun. It’s a wonderful place for local families to help them give their children the best start in life.”

    Based at the Thorney Close Action and Enterprise Centre in Thorney Close, it is the fifth of the city’s hubs. The hubs are positioned across the city at: Rainbow Family Hub, Elliott Terrace, Washington; Bunny Hill Family Hub, Hylton Lane, Hylton Castle, Sunderland; Coalfield Family Hub, Hetton and Winnibell Family Hub and Hendon.

    Hubs fit within the national vision and aims of ensuring all families can access the support they need, access the NHS supported Start for Life programme, and the City Council’s on-going City Plan for a more dynamic, healthy, vibrant and smart Sunderland.

    Jamie Scott, Family Hubs and Family Support Service Manager (Interim), said: “We are thrilled to officially open the doors to the fully renovated Thorney Close Family Hub.

    “While we’ve been proudly supporting families for some time at Thorney Close, the completion of our renovations means we can now offer even more in a warm, welcoming space. From outdoor play and free activities like crafts, messy play, and Move to Rhyme, to supportive classes such as Young Mams and Dads, breastfeeding support, and introducing solids — there’s something here for every family.

    “Whether families are looking for practical advice, peer support, wellbeing guidance, or simply a friendly place to connect and play, our Family Hubs are here for them. Even better, we’re proud to offer all of this completely free — something we know makes a real difference to families across our communities.”

    See more at: Family Hubs – Together for Children 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Help shape future of Norwich’s magical medieval market

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Thursday, 29th May 2025

    Residents have been urged by the city council to help shape the future of Norwich Market today.

    The council is asking local people to take part in the online survey after consulting with market traders.

    Councillor Carli Harper, cabinet member for finance and major projects, said: “We’ve been talking and listening to traders on the future of the market and now we want residents to make their voice heard too so we can get a greater understanding on how we can make our cherished and iconic market better for generations to come.”

    The Future of Norwich Market survey includes three design ideas to improve the layout of the market for residents to comment on including a central court, small squares and an arcade.

    The council will also make some improvements to the market by early next year, including: 

    • Upgrading roller shutters
    • Installation of CCTV to deter anti-social behaviour and criminal damage
    • Upgrade of cross-aisle awnings to protect public and traders in harsh weather
    • Reflective paint to reduce heat under canopies
    • Looking at ways of reducing pigeons in and around the market, with the use of non-harmful fire gel

    Cllr Harper said: “We will be implementing these improvements over the next few months as part of our determination to make Norwich Market one of England’s and Europe’s premier tourist and shopping experiences. We want people from all over the UK, Europe and beyond to come and sample the atmosphere of our magical medieval city and market.”

    To take part in the survey go to: gettalking.norwich.gov.uk/market

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pension plan to double £25 billion+ megafunds, boost investment and improve returns for savers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Pension plan to double £25 billion+ megafunds, boost investment and improve returns for savers

    Millions of workers are set to retire with bigger pension pots as the Government confirms plans to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, unlocking billions to invest in Britain’s future.

    • Move secures over £50 billion investment in UK infrastructure, new homes and fast-growing businesses, as pension funds reverse decades of declining domestic investment. 
    • Average earner could get £6,000 boost to their pension pots at retirement from consolidation alone – with further increases expected through the Pension Schemes Bill. 
    • £1 billion a year of costs could be saved through consolidation and better governance, ensuring savings deliver for working people and the economy.

    Reforms set to be introduced through the Pension Schemes Bill will mean all multi-employer Defined Contribution pension schemes and Local Government Pension Scheme pools operate at megafund level, managing at least £25 billion in assets by 2030. Evidence from Australia and Canada shows that this size allows pension funds to invest in big infrastructure projects and private businesses, boosting the economy while potentially driving higher returns for savers. 

    These changes will drive more investment directly into the UK economy for new homes and promising scale-up businesses, with over £50 billion secured through the recent voluntary commitment from pension funds to invest 5 percent of assets in the UK and new local investment targets for Local Government Pension Scheme authorities. 

    This tackles the gradual decline in domestic investment from UK pension funds, where around 20 per cent of Defined Contribution assets are currently invested compared to over 50 per cent in 2012, as the Government goes further and faster to drive growth, create jobs and put more money into people’s pockets through the Plan for Change. More than 50 scale-up businesses have signed a joint letter to the Chancellor welcoming the reforms as a ‘significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British businesses at the scale required to generate growth, employment and wealth.’ 

    New figures from the final report of the Pensions Investment Review published today also show that these reforms will drive higher returns for savers, in part by cutting waste in the system. By 2030 these schemes could be saving £1 billion a year through economies of scale and improved investment strategies. As a result, an average earner who saves over their career could see a £6,000 boost to their Defined Contribution pension pot at retirement through the creation of megafunds – with even better returns expected to be generated through changes in the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: 

    We’re making pensions work for Britain. These reforms mean better returns for workers and billions more invested in clean energy and high-growth businesses – the Plan for Change in action.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:  

    The untapped potential of the £392 billion Local Government Pension Scheme is enormous. Through these reforms we will make sure it drives growth and opportunities in communities across the country for years to come – delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Today’s pensions announcements follow a month of major delivery milestones for the Plan for Change: new trade deals with India, the US and the EU, UK growth the highest in the G7, and the fourth interest rate cut since last summer after the government secure the economy’s foundations. 

    Multi-employer defined contribution pension schemes will be required to operate at megafund level, managing £25 billion or more in assets, and the full investment might of the £392 billion Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) will be unleashed by consolidating assets currently split over 86 administering authorities into just 6 pools.  

    Defined Contribution schemes will be given more freedom through legislation to move savers into better performing funds, enabling bulk transfer of assets into the megafunds while ensuring savers’ interests are always protected. Schemes worth over £10 billion that are unable to reach the minimum size requirement by the end of the decade will be allowed to continue operating, as long as they can demonstrate a clear plan to reach £25 billion by 2035. 

    The Mansion House Accord shows DC schemes are voluntarily investing more in infrastructure and businesses. To provide additional certainty that individual schemes will not lose business by investing in private markets, which offer the potential for higher returns but are expensive to invest in upfront, the Government will take a reserve power in the Pension Schemes Bill to set binding asset allocation targets. 

    The Pensions Investment Review confirms the March 2026 deadline for LGPS asset pooling, with a backstop power set to be taken in the Pension Schemes Bill to protect the interests of LGPS members and local taxpayers where necessary by directing an Administering Authority to participate in a specific investment pool.  

    Local investment targets will be agreed with LGPS authorities for the first time, securing £27.5 billion for local priorities. LGPS authorities will work with regional mayors, Welsh Authorities and councils to back the projects that matter most to the 6.7 million public servants – most of whom are low-paid women – whose savings they manage.

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, said: 

    Our economic strategy is about delivering real change, not tinkering around the edges. When it comes to pensions, size matters, so our plans will double the number of £25 billion plus megafunds. These reforms will mean bigger, better pension schemes, delivering a better retirement for millions and high investment in Britain.

    Irene Graham OBE, CEO ScaleUp Institute said:

    This represents a significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British business – at the scale required – to generate growth, employment and wealth. UK pension funds are central to achieving this goal and addressing the UK’s longstanding growth capital gap that have held back growth ambitions. 

    The ScaleUp Institute, and the broad representatives of the scaleup economy across the UK, have written to the Chancellor today to welcome the Government’s final report on the Pensions Investment Review and the Government’s commitment to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, thereby unlocking billions of patient capital to scaling businesses across the country.

    The changes come as London CIV has become the first LGPS pool to announce its intention to work with the British Business Bank on the launch of the British Growth Partnership (BGP), joining Aegon UK and NatWest Cushon, who last year announced their intention to collaborate on the BGP and invest in fast-growing businesses. These three funds manage a combined £274 billion in assets. 

    The upcoming Pension Schemes Bill will continue the Government’s fundamental reset of our pensions landscape, including by tackling the small pots problem, allowing Defined Benefit surpluses to be safely released, requiring every scheme to deliver value for money, and ensuring all savers are offered a default retirement income product. 

    Countries like Canada and Australia show how powerful pension consolidation can be – having built megafunds that invest in assets that boost their economies. Today’s reforms put the UK on the same path.

    More information

    • The final report of the Pensions Investment Review will be here. Further detail on all calculations and assumptions will be contained in the analytical annex. 

    • Just over 50% of DC assets were invested domestically in 2012 which has gradually declined to just over 20% by 2023. 

    • The £50 billion investment figure combines the Mansion House Accord commitment to invest 5% of assets in the UK (£25 billion by 2030), and the estimate for Local Government Pension Scheme local investment (5% of £550 billion by 2030). 

    • The £6,000 boost to retirement pots is from the impact of consolidation alone, which we estimate to deliver at least a 6-basis point reduction in fees as well as increase allocations to productive assets such as infrastructure projects. This means an average (median) earner saving into a DC pension, who is 22 and saves for their entire career until State Pension Age will see a £6,000 boost to their retirement pot before other measures in the Pension Schemes Bill are factored in. 

    • The £1 billion savings figure for DC schemes is based on a 12 basis point reduction in costs applied to £800 billion assets under management by 2030 – delivering a £960m saving. The Pension Investment Review consultation responses suggested consolidation of pension providers could lead to reduced charges by up to 10-20bps over the longer term and Australia had around a 12bp cost reduction through scale. 

    • The government’s response to the Options for Defined Benefit schemes consultation, also published today sets out how Government will unlock some of the £160 billion of surplus funds from well-funded Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, to benefit employers, members and the economy. It also sets out that the Government is continuing to consider a consolidator for DB schemes, run by the Pensions Protection Fund. The response is here: Options for Defined Benefit schemes – GOV.UK

    • The joint letter from scale up businesses can be found here

    Irene Graham OBE, CEO ScaleUp Institute, said:

    The ScaleUp Institute, and the broad representatives of the scaleup economy across the UK, have written to the Chancellor today to welcome the Government’s final report on the Pensions Investment Review and the Government’s commitment to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, thereby unlocking billions of patient capital to scaling businesses across the country.

    This represents a significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British business – at the scale required – to generate growth, employment and wealth. UK pension funds are central to achieving this goal and addressing the UK’s longstanding growth capital gap that have held back growth ambitions. 

    To deliver tangible impacts on the ground we must now see the intent in these reforms, alongside the recently augmented Mansion House Accord, turn into practical institutional investment outcomes in every part and sector of the country, including our rapidly growing innovation and industrial sectors.

    That is why it is so important that the Government’s plans today remain focussed on making sure these reforms are enacted swiftly, and that will place powers into the Pension Scheme Bill to enable compliance.

    The ScaleUp ecosystem across the country looks forward to working with the government and industry partners to ensure the ambitions of this review are fully realised and deliver lasting impact. Thereby ensuring that UK businesses with global ambition get access to the local funding needed to scale, build, and stay in the UK.

    Michael Moore, BVCA Chief Executive, said: 

    These reforms are a real win-win for UK scaleups and pension savers. 

    Countries like Canada and Australia show that when pension funds invest in private capital, you help the national economy and deliver better retirement outcomes. The government should be applauded for learning from their example.

    Megafunds will have the scale needed to develop the expertise required to invest in private capital funds, which will support the development of fast growing businesses and generate stronger returns for pensions savers.

    Jamie Jenkins, Director of Policy & Technical, Royal London said: 

    Today’s announcement sets out a long-term, strategic approach for pension provision in the UK, improving value for savers, and providing greater certainty for employers and their advisers.

    The Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, said:

    As joint architects of the Mansion House Accord, we welcome the Government’s final Pension Investment Review report as a vital next step in delivering on our shared ambition to unlock capital for growth. This landmark agreement will facilitate the injection of over £25 billion into the UK economy, supporting crucial capital for high-growth businesses and infrastructure projects. With greater consolidation, scale, and alignment between pensions and the real economy, we now have the opportunity to secure better outcomes for savers and long-term investment in the future of the UK. To ensure the best investment outcomes, it is essential that pension funds maintain the autonomy to allocate assets optimally, thereby maximising returns for the savers whose interests they safeguard.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby Market Hall reopening draws stunning numbers of visitors on opening weekend

    Source: City of Derby

    A spectacular week-long celebration is now under way at Derby’s iconic Victorian Market Hall, continuing throughout the May half-term holiday.

    The programme features live music, creative workshops, performances, and family activities designed for all ages in the revitalised Market Hall.

    The transformed Market Hall officially reopened to the public on Saturday 24 May, drawing in over 34,500 visitors in its first three days.

    The grand opening saw thousands of visitors from across Derby and beyond queuing outside Osnabruck Square to be among the first to step into the historic Grade II listed building. The occasion was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Councillor Nadine Peatfield, and the new Mayor of Derby, Ajit Atwal – nearly 159 years since the Market Hall opened its doors in 1866.

    Extraordinary crowds gathered on opening day, with thousands of people queuing to visit on Saturday 24 May. The excitement continued throughout the Bank Holiday weekend with over 34,500 visitors in total. Visitors enjoyed a weekend full of live entertainment and workshops whilst browsing trader stalls and tasting a vibrant array of local and international cuisine on offer. 

    Saturday’s celebrations saw a performance from Deep Down Brass alongside a packed programme of live music, walkabout performers, and family entertainment. The festivities continued throughout the Bank Holiday weekend with local musical talent, performances, and free creative workshops for children. 

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

    It was absolutely phenomenal to see that the Market Hall drew in over thirty-four thousand visitors in its first three days. The queues to get in on Saturday were beyond expectations, and I’m thrilled that it has been a successful opening weekend.

    We can be proud that Derby Market Hall is now a vibrant destination with live entertainment, pop-ups, bars, and incredible dining options. By giving people so many reasons to visit there really is something for everyone, and Derby’s Market Hall is truly thriving once again. 

    This is a big catalyst moment in Derby’s ongoing regeneration efforts. The impact on the entire city that 34,500 additional visitors has had shows that the decision to invest in our most cherished heritage building was an important one. Going forward, the Market Hall will contribute significantly to the local economy, generating over three and half million pounds for the local economy every year.

    Originally opened in 1866, the iconic Grade II listed building has undergone a significant £35.1 million restoration – part funded with £9.43 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund – creating a vibrant venue that brings together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment under one beautiful roof.

    More information about traders and events is available on the Derby Market Hall website. You can also follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram.  

    Derby Market Hall is open 8am – 3pm from Monday to Wednesday; 8am – 10pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am until 3pm on Sunday. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB Report: Piper PA-18-150, G-CUBX

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    AAIB Report: Piper PA-18-150, G-CUBX

    Fatal accident involving a Piper PA-18-150 (G-CUBX), Croft Farm Airstrip (Defford Airfield), Worcester, 27 August 2024

    G-CUBX after repair showing features of the Alaskan Bush fit

    G-CUBX tracked to the left on the runway during takeoff and within two seconds of getting airborne it was in a left turn tracking toward obstacles south of the runway. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft adopt a steep nose-up attitude, but it was not able to climb above a tree which was one of the obstacles in its path. G-CUBX appeared to have struck the tree at the apogee of its flight path before descending steeply, nose-first, into the ground. The pilot suffered fatal injuries at the point of ground collision.

    It was not possible to conclusively establish why the aircraft diverged left during and after takeoff. Nonetheless, the investigation considered it likely the relatively low lift off speed of approximately 34 kt contributed to the pilot having insufficient aerodynamic control authority to effectively counter the flight path divergence. Being in a turn rather than wings level would have compromised the aircraft’s climb rate resulting in it being unable to climb above the obstacles it was turning toward.

    The investigation was unable to find evidence of any pre-accident fault with the aircraft.

    Read the report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: President Putin’s words about peace are not aligned with his actions: UK statement to OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    President Putin’s words about peace are not aligned with his actions: UK statement to OSCE

    Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s continued attacks against Ukrainian civilians, which are not actions of a government seeking peace, and calls for no effort to be spared in bringing about the release of the three OSCE staff members.

    Thank you, Mister Chair. In recent days, Russia has intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. On Friday night, Russia struck apartment buildings and other targets in Kyiv, in one of the largest attacks since the start of its illegal invasion. Only 24 hours later, Kyiv was struck again in an even larger strike. Across Ukraine, 12 civilians were killed on Saturday night, including three siblings in Zhytomyr, aged 8, 12 and 17. More innocent lives denied by Russia’s senseless war.

    President Putin’s claim that he is ready for peace is not borne out by his actions. In the more than two months since Ukraine agreed, in-principle, to the US proposal for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, President Putin has continued to dither and delay. He announced two unilateral, three-day ‘pauses’ during which his armed forces continued to target Ukrainian cities. And he ignored the opportunity for substantive talks in Istanbul, instead sending a delegation with no real mandate to negotiate.

    In contrast, President Zelenskyy demonstrated real leadership by expressing readiness to engage at the leaders’ level, even as President Putin refused a ceasefire that would create the space for talks.

    The Russian State has shown time and time again that its actions are not those of a government seeking peace. And while we welcome the recent prisoner swaps, Russia’s failure to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire – as Ukraine has done – is holding up further humanitarian outcomes, including the return of Ukrainian children it has forcibly displaced. These outcomes are critical to achieving a peace that is just and lasting.

    Mr Chair, it is not ‘anti-Russian’ to call for an end to the devastation and loss of life in Ukraine. Doing so is to stand up for the principles set out in the Helsinki Final Act, and to adhere to international law, including the UN Charter. Delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine in its defence. And we will continue working with our partners to ratchet up pressure on President Putin to end his war.

    Mister Chair, it is with great regret that I must again raise the cases of Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov. All three were members of the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. They have been unlawfully deprived of their liberty for more than three years by the Russian Federation and its proxies in Ukraine. Their continued detention is a grave injustice and a flagrant violation of international law and the Helsinki Final Act.

    These individuals were carrying out a mission mandated by every participating State in this room – including Russia. The UK urges all parties to leave no stone unturned in securing their immediate release. Our thoughts remain with them and their families.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster: 29 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster: 29 May 2025

    The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Leah Beverley Vasey-Saunders, to the Suffragan See of Doncaster in the Diocese of Sheffield

    The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Leah Beverley Vasey-Saunders, Vicar of Lancaster Priory in the Diocese of Blackburn, to the Suffragan See of Doncaster in the Diocese of Sheffield in succession to the Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, following her translation to the See of Coventry.

    Background

    Leah Vasey-Saunders was educated at Huddersfield University and trained for ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham.  She served her title at St. John’s Church, Whorlton and St George’s Church, Jesmond in the Diocese of Newcastle, and in 2004, was ordained Priest.  From 2008, she served as Team Vicar of St. John’s Church Heath Hayes, Cannock, in the Diocese of Lichfield and was appointed Vicar in 2010.  In 2013, she was appointed Priest-in-Charge of All Saints Church, Harworth and Bircotes, in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

    From 2016, Leah served as Canon Precentor at Wakefield Cathedral, in the Diocese of Leeds. Leah is also the chair of trustees for On Fire Mission. Leah has served in her current role as Vicar of Lancaster Priory in the Diocese of Blackburn since 2021.

    Leah is married to Mark and they have four children.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dinosaurs could hold key to cancer discoveries

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    An image of fossilised erythrocyte-like structures

    New techniques used to analyse soft tissue in dinosaur fossils may hold the key to new cancer discoveries, according to a new study published in the journal Biology.

    Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Imperial College London analysed dinosaur fossils using advanced paleoproteomic techniques, a method that holds promise for uncovering molecular data from ancient specimens.

    The researchers discovered red blood cell-like structures in a fossil while studying a Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a duck-billed, plant eating “marsh lizard” that lived between 66-70 million years ago in the Hateg Basin in present-day Romania.

    The new study used Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques to identify low-density structures resembling erythrocytes, or red blood cells, in the fossilised bone.

    The findings raise the possibility that soft tissue and cellular components are more commonly preserved in ancient remains than previously thought.

    By identifying preserved proteins and biomarkers, scientists believe they can gain insights into the diseases that affected prehistoric creatures, including cancer, potentially influencing future treatments for humans.

    The authors of the new study highlight the necessity of prioritising the collection and preservation of fossilised soft tissue, rather than just dinosaur skeletons, as future advancements in molecular techniques will enable deeper insights into disease evolution.

    A separate study had previously identified evidence of cancer in Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, indicating its deep evolutionary roots.

    “Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years.

    “Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination. This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens.

    “Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease.

    “Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans. However, it is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are co-ordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations.”

    Senior author Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University

    The full, open-access paper can be read here: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/4/370 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government urged to abandon disability benefit cuts

    Source: Scottish Government

    Letter from Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, calling for an urgent change to the UK Government’s “immoral and reckless” social security reforms.

    Ms Somerville welcomed the suggestion by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that cuts to winter fuel payment could be eased, but said this was not enough.

    In the letter the Social Justice Secretary said:

    “I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister announce plans to ease the Winter Fuel Payment cuts in Parliament last week. I am also aware of various media reports suggesting that a change in the UK Government’s two-child limit may be announced shortly. I welcome these developments and recognise that it is a step in the right direction to delivering a more robust Social Security system.

    “However, deep concerns remain around the UK government’s damaging social security reforms, including those announced in the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper.

    “Given the speculation on the reversal or partial reversal of policies on Winter Fuel Payment and Two Child Cap, I call on you to urgently scrap these immoral proposals on disabled benefits.

    “These plans will only push more into poverty. It is therefore reckless and totally unacceptable for the UK Government to press ahead, not least due to the expected severity of the impact they will have on all our efforts to end child poverty – completely undermining the work of the UK Child Poverty Taskforce.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City Centre Youth Activities Kick Off for Summer

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A new programme of Friday evening youth events has kicked off in Dundee City Centre. 

    Activities are being run in partnership between Dundee City Council city centre management, Street Soccer Scotland, Police Scotland and local businesses. 

    The project is being supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

    Street Soccer Scotland will set up a pitch in City Square for 20 weeks (subject to weather) on Friday nights in City Square from 6-9pm until Friday October 3. 

    There will also be extra activities on offer on certain evenings including end of school term dates where skateboarding and youth cafes will be provided. 

    Partners have come together to celebrate the launch of this year’s programme. 

    City council Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “We are all keen that young people can enjoy positive experiences in the city centre and have found that these types of activities can build constructive relationships going forward. 

    “We are under no illusions that there are problems with behaviour issues in the city centre. However, we would rather try to do something about this by engaging with the young people directly.” 

    “I would like to thank the businesses which are becoming involved and our partners for putting together such a comprehensive programme for 2025, which build on last year’s offering.” 

    David Mackenzie, Street Soccer Manager (Dundee), said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the return of the youth sessions in Dundee’s City Square, delivered in collaboration with our partners and completely free for young people to attend. Sport continues to be a powerful tool for engagement, bringing people together while offering a safe, supportive environment for those who may be vulnerable on Friday nights.  

      

    “This initiative not only builds on the success of last year, but also strengthens connections between young people, local businesses, and emergency services. New for this year, we’re excited to introduce even more opportunities that lead to positive destinations, including guaranteed job interviews with major employers such as McDonald’s and Primark.” 

     

    Sergeant Daniel Forbes, Dundee City Centre Policing Team said: “The return of the youth engagement sessions and activities in the City Centre are very welcome. We, the Police fully support the scheme and initiatives, in providing the youth community with a constructive and enjoyable way to express themselves, develop socially and physically in a safe environment. It’s a fantastic setting to be able to participate in all of these exciting activities right in the heart of our city. A massive thankyou goes out to all those individuals and organisations who have worked so hard together to bring this back to Dundee. 

    “These activities provide such valuable opportunities for all young people moving forward in their lives, providing options and positive pathways for them as they develop and grow. Previously these activities have really brought the community together, providing support for those who need it and encouraging others to develop further. From a Policing perspective this benefits the community, helping to combat youth disorder and anti-social behaviour. This allows us to work closely with the youth community and parents, break down barriers and build progressive constructive connections.” 

    Extra activities will be on offer on six of the Friday nights including two end of school term dates. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £7.4 million put back in working people’s pockets by employers

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Over £7.4 million put back in working people’s pockets by employers

    Employers who have left workers over £7.4 million out of pocket by failing to pay the National Living and National Minimum Wage named.

    • More money put into the pockets of hardworking people, as government delivers the biggest upgrade to worker’s rights in a generation, as part of the Plan for Change
    • Workers will be paid over £7.4 million by employers after nearly 60,000 workers have been left out of pocket.
    • Action builds on recent uplift to the National Living and National Minimum Wage which puts £1,400 into the pockets of workers and families across the UK

    Nearly 60,000 workers who have been left out of pocket will be repaid over £7.4 million the Government has announced today [Thursday 29th May] in its latest move to Make Work Pay.

    This follows a significant uplift to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage – putting £1,400 into the pockets of full-time workers on NLW and supporting millions of families across the country – as well as the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation under the Employment Rights Bill.

    As part of the Plan for Change, this Government’s priority is to grow the economy and raise living standards. A strong economy can only be built when people have financial security whilst in work and robust enforcement action will be taken against employers who do not pay their staff correctly.

    The 518 employers and businesses named today have since paid back what they owe to their staff and faced financial penalties of up to 200% of their underpayment. The investigations by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) concluded between 2015-2022.

    Minister for Employment Rights, Justin Madders said:

    There is no excuse for employers to undercut their workers, and we will continue to name companies who break the law and don’t pay their employees what they are owed.

    Ensuring workers have the support they need and making sure they receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work is a key commitment in our Plan for Change. This will put more money in working people’s pockets, helping to boost productivity and ending low pay.

    Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission, said:

    We welcome today’s publication. Underpayment leaves workers out of pocket and disadvantages the majority of employers who do abide by the rules.

    These naming rounds play an important part in ensuring that all workers receive their full wages and that they are aware there is support for them to ensure that they do.

    Putting more money into the pockets of the lowest paid increases workers’ financial security, offers stability to help increase staff retention and lowers recruitment costs for businesses in the long run.  Whilst not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, the Government is clear that enforcement action will be taken against employers who do not pay their staff correctly.

    Ahead of permanently lowering tax rates for high street retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) from 2026/27, we have prevented the current RHL relief from ending this April, extending it for one year to ensure that over 250,000 RHL properties see a full 40 per cent reduction on their liability, and we have frozen the small business multiplier. 

    Notes to Editors:

    • If workers suspect they are being underpaid, they can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more about what they can do.
    • Workers can also call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or visit their website for free, impartial and confidential advice or complain to HMRC at Pay and work rights helpline and complaints
    • The minimum wage law applies to all parts of the UK.
    • Employers should always carry out the necessary checks – see the guidance: Calculating the Minimum Wage
    • HMRC consider all complaints from workers, so workers are being reminded to check their pay with advice available through the Check your pay website
    • National Living Wage and National Minimum wage rates:
    2024 rate 2025 rate
    National Living Wage (21 and over) £11.44 £12.21
    18 to 20 £8.60 £10.00
    Under 18 £6.40 £7.55
    Apprentice £6.40 £7.55
    1. Capita Business Services Ltd, City of London, EC2V, failed to pay £1,154,461.97 to 5,543 workers.
    2. Pizzaexpress (Restaurants) Limited, Croydon, CR0, failed to pay £760,701.61 to 8,470 workers.        
    3. Virtual Marketing Services (Gibraltar) Ltd, Birmingham, B3, failed to pay £478,282.71 to 41 workers.        
    4. L. Rowland & Company (Retail) Limited , Runcorn, WA7, failed to pay £307,342.87 to 2,293 workers.        
    5. Templar Corporation Limited, Lewisham, SE16, failed to pay £298,143.12 to 26 workers.        
    6. Lidl Great Britain Limited, Merton, SW19, failed to pay £286,437.18 to 3,423 workers.        
    7. British Airways PLC, Harmondsworth, UB7, failed to pay £231,276.10 to 2,165 workers.        
    8. Scottish Midland Co-operative Society Limited, Newbridge, EH28, failed to pay £186,883.56 to 1,795 workers.        
    9. Interserve (Facilities Management) Ltd, Lambeth, SE1, failed to pay £177,268.08 to 2,297 workers.        
    10. Prezzo Limited, Woodford Green, IG8, failed to pay £163,702.67 to 2,550 workers.        
    11. Halfords Ltd, Redditch, B98, failed to pay £140,829.79 to 4,341 workers.        
    12. The Southern Co-Operative Limited , Portsmouth, PO6, failed to pay £126,739.33 to 2,300 workers.        
    13. TUI UK Retail Limited, Luton, LU2, failed to pay £107,611.04 to 2,044 workers.        
    14. Heart Of England Co-Operative Society Limited, Coventry, CV6, failed to pay £90,870.95 to 1,017 workers.        
    15. CDS (Superstores International) Limited, Plymouth, PL6, failed to pay £89,158.47 to 1,648 workers.        
    16. Day Lewis PLC, Croydon, CR0, failed to pay £82,819.47 to 604 workers.        
    17. Petrogas Group UK Limited, Ampthill, MK45, failed to pay £63,026.69 to 602 workers.        
    18. Mr Guiseppe Caruso , London, W2, failed to pay £59,780.03 to 2 workers.        
    19. William Strike Limited, Carlisle, CA6, failed to pay £56,657.01 to 798 workers.        
    20. Property Management Services (NI) Limited, Belfast, BT3, failed to pay £54,852.44 to 414 workers.        
    21. Coghlan Lodges Limited, Uxbridge, UB8, failed to pay £52,062.45 to 45 workers.        
    22. Ant Marketing Limited, Sheffield, S2, failed to pay £46,260.65 to 340 workers.        
    23. Maclean Services (L) Limited, London, W2, failed to pay £43,583.26 to 781 workers.        
    24. ABM Aviation UK Limited, Hounslow, TW6, failed to pay £40,243.10 to 880 workers.        
    25. Malvern Tyres (Wholesale) Limited, Gloucester, GL1, failed to pay £39,012.15 to 158 workers.        
    26. Halfords Autocentres Limited, Redditch, B98, failed to pay £38,470.94 to 760 workers.        
    27. J M McGill Ltd, Doncaster, DN4, failed to pay £38,178.62 to 364 workers.        
    28. R.T. Stuart Limited, Methil, KY8, failed to pay £37,384.89 to 310 workers.        
    29. Deluxe Beds Ltd, Huddersfield, HD2, failed to pay £27,233.68 to 64 workers.        
    30. Freedom Hotels West Limited, Nr Fort William, PH49, failed to pay £26,814.06 to 37 workers.        
    31. Mytime Active, Orpington, BR6, failed to pay £26,414.51 to 414 workers.        
    32. Parkdean Resorts UK Limited, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12, failed to pay £26,360.91 to 291 workers.        
    33. Whitakers Chocolates Limited, Skipton, BD23, failed to pay £26,183.83 to 141 workers.        
    34. Suttons Tankers Limited, Widnes, WA8, failed to pay £25,631.33 to 35 workers.        
    35. Health Care Resourcing Group Limited, Prescot, L34, failed to pay £25,344.45 to 86 workers.        
    36. Veecare Ltd, Loughton, IG10, failed to pay £23,567.49 to 168 workers.        
    37. Meridian Marlow Ltd, Marlow, SL7, failed to pay £22,993.97 to 66 workers.        
    38. Managing Care Limited, Croydon, CR9, failed to pay £21,834.52 to 83 workers.        
    39. Mr Sri Krishna Ratnasinkam and Mrs Saraswathy Ratnasinkam , Ringmer, BN8, failed to pay £20,504.98 to 1 worker.        
    40. M Buckingham & Company Limited        
    , Maulden, MK45, failed to pay £20,361.01 to 3 workers.        
    41. Regency Hotel (Northern Ireland) Limited, Belfast, BT3, failed to pay £19,952.21 to 201 workers.        
    42. Baxters Food Group Limited, Fochabers, IV32, failed to pay £19,765.00 to 62 workers.        
    43. Thrive Childcare and Education Limited, Musselburgh, EH21, failed to pay £19,420.47 to 24 workers.        
    44. Hillgate Investments Limited, Rotherhithe , SE16, failed to pay £19,358.74 to 40 workers.        
    45. Hilton UK Hotels Limited, Watford, WD24, failed to pay £18,924.07 to 20 workers.        
    46. Oscar Mayer Limited, Chard, TA20, failed to pay £18,830.92 to 172 workers.        
    47. BA Cityflyer Limited, West Drayton, UB7, failed to pay £17,988.39 to 102 workers.        
    48. Crystal Property Cleaning Ltd, Twickenham, TW2, failed to pay £17,767.18 to 1 worker.        
    49. Key Care And Support Ltd, Manchester, M34, failed to pay £17,649.66 to 189 workers.        
    50. Sean Elliott, Ballymena, BT42, failed to pay £17,518.00 to 1 worker.        
    51. YTC Limited, Driffield, YO25, failed to pay £17,194.32 to 226 workers.        
    52. Virtual Marketing Services (Gibraltar) Ltd, Gibraltar, GX11, failed to pay £17,155.36 to 1 worker.        
    53. Wargrave Auto Centre Limited , Hounslow, TW5, failed to pay £17,114.70 to 37 workers.        
    54. Lawrence Davis Design Limited, Stoke On Trent, ST1, failed to pay £16,936.97 to 2 workers.        
    55. BJ Bright Day Nurseries Limited, Doncaster, DN5, failed to pay £16,759.85 to 19 workers.        
    56. Thorntons Limited, Alfreton, DE55, failed to pay £16,449.00 to 444 workers.        
    57. 24/7 Security and Events Ltd, Driffield, YO25, failed to pay £15,962.00 to 74 workers.        
    58. Winemark The Winemerchants Limited, Belfast, BT3, failed to pay £15,738.33 to 186 workers.        
    59. Anochrome Limited, Walsall, WS2, failed to pay £15,600.86 to 49 workers.        
    60. Allen Day Associates Limited, Bidwell, LU5, failed to pay £15,525.26 to 387 workers.        
    61. Equitas Solicitors Limited, Preston, PR2, failed to pay £15,412.15 to 72 workers.        
    62. Kingwood Limited, Wokingham, RG40, failed to pay £15,090.99 to 1 worker.        
    63. The Eastbury (Sherbourne) Limited, Sherborne, DT9, failed to pay £14,813.03 to 7 workers.        
    64. Elmoreton Limited, Belfast, BT7, failed to pay £14,782.81 to 391 workers.        
    65. Elliott Baxter & Company Limited , Farnborough, GU12, failed to pay £14,411.44 to 43 workers.        
    66. MA Bureau Limited, Croydon, CR0, failed to pay £13,226.91 to 6 workers.        
    67. Moto Hospitality Limited, Toddington, LU5, failed to pay £13,164.96 to 734 workers.        
    68. Slo Drinks Limited, Stockport, SK3, failed to pay £12,716.05 to 1 worker.        
    69. The Crown Hotel (Colne) Limited, Colne, BB8, failed to pay £12,642.18 to 2 workers.        
    70. EA Coaching Ltd, Birmingham, B34, failed to pay £12,378.25 to 18 workers.        
    71. Hydes’ Brewery Limited, Salford, M50, failed to pay £12,281.18 to 176 workers.        
    72. Elior UK PLC, Macclesfield, SK11, failed to pay £12,198.61 to 496 workers.        
    73. Savoy Tyres Limited, Kingston Upon Hull, HU8, failed to pay £11,921.60 to 6 workers.        
    74. PK Sales & Lettings Ltd, Greenwich, SE18, failed to pay £11,885.46 to 5 workers.        
    75. Quokka Solutions Ltd, Sunderland , SR5, failed to pay £11,605.84 to 15 workers.        
    76. Elix-Irr Consulting Services Limited, London, EC2V, failed to pay £11,101.13 to 21 workers.        
    77. Go To The Venue Limited, Oswestry, SY11, failed to pay £10,974.19 to 21 workers.        
    78. JWDW Limited, Doncaster, DN4, failed to pay £10,699.64 to 21 workers.        
    79. Mr Stuart Benson, Heywood, OL10, failed to pay £10,600.34 to 1 worker.        
    80. Philip Russell Limited, Belfast, BT6, failed to pay £10,507.58 to 111 workers.        
    81. Energy Kidz Ltd, Wokingham , RG41, failed to pay £10,479.36 to 199 workers.        
    82. ABC Pre-School Limited, Culcheth, WA3, failed to pay £10,393.39 to 16 workers.        
    83. YAM 110 Limited, Bradford, BD8, failed to pay £10,021.48 to 22 workers.        
    84. Lord Charles P Courtenay, Kenton, EX6, failed to pay £9,930.78 to 1 worker.        
    85. React Homecare Ltd, Mansfield, NG21, failed to pay £9,907.42 to 127 workers.        
    86. Lutonestateandlettings Ltd, Luton, LU3, failed to pay £9,887.66 to 4 workers.        
    87. Jill Birt, Bolton, BL5, failed to pay £9,819.79 to 3 workers.        
    88. The House That Jack Built (Day Nursery) Limited, Marlow, SL7, failed to pay £9,810.00 to 8 workers.        
    89. IWE Services Limited, Staxton, YO12, failed to pay £9,803.34 to 3 workers.        
    90. At Home – Specialists in Care Ltd, Pocklington, YO42, failed to pay £9,737.27 to 26 workers.        
    91. Mr Albert Cepa, Chesterfield, S40, failed to pay £9,677.33 to 4 workers.        
    92. Top Gas Heating & Plumbing Limited, Bristol, BS15, failed to pay £9,675.90 to 4 workers.        
    93. Brookfield Retail Ltd, Dewsbury, WF12, failed to pay £9,544.19 to 52 workers.        
    94. Clock House Farm Limited, Maidstone, ME17, failed to pay £9,384.53 to 69 workers.        
    95. Panic Deliveries Limited, Oldbury , B69, failed to pay £9,362.96 to 29 workers.        
    96. Steve Kane Painting & Decorating Limited, Doncaster, DN3, failed to pay £9,317.13 to 11 workers.        
    97. Wine Inns Limited, Belfast, BT3, failed to pay £9,295.35 to 103 workers.        
    98. SOS Homecare Ltd, Stretford, M32, failed to pay £9,186.36 to 293 workers.        
    99. Parkway Derby Limited, Derby, DE24, failed to pay £9,083.64 to 11 workers.        
    100. Lashes Nails and Brows Ltd, Thornton Heath, CR7, failed to pay £9,074.84 to 3 workers.        
    101. Mrs Carol Olsen , Bedlington, NE22, failed to pay £8,988.13 to 25 workers.        
    102. Teddy Bear Nursery Limited, Rochdale, OL16, failed to pay £8,982.22 to 32 workers.        
    103. R.H. Wilson (Chemists) Limited, Blackburn, BB1, failed to pay £8,925.53 to 11 workers.        
    104. Mr James Westcott, Newport, PO30, failed to pay £8,587.49 to 33 workers.        
    105. Mr Orhan Esen, Dumfries, DG1, failed to pay £8,513.17 to 5 workers.        
    106. Waterloo and Taunton Conservative Club, Ashton-Under-Lyne, OL7, failed to pay £8,468.51 to 3 workers.        
    107. Aramark Limited, Leeds, LS16, failed to pay £8,407.77 to 154 workers.        
    108. Mr Mario Wood, Stalybridge, SK15, failed to pay £8,040.26 to 3 workers.        
    109. Mr Paul S Clerehugh T/A , Henley-On-Thames, RG9, failed to pay £8,029.07 to 20 workers.        
    110. Waggon & Horses (Matley) Ltd, Stalybridge, SK15, failed to pay £8,016.08 to 57 workers.        
    111. Rice Solutions Limited, Southport, PR8, failed to pay £7,921.26 to 2 workers.        
    112. UK Hairdressers 2019 Limited, Birmingham, B16, failed to pay £7,870.93 to 13 workers.        
    113. LIBERTY MUSIC PR LTD, Brighton, BN1, failed to pay £7,663.84 to 3 workers.        
    114. Turkuaz Limited, Cheadle, SK8, failed to pay £7,655.93 to 3 workers.        
    115. Belgravia Mews Hotel Limited, South Kensington, SW5, failed to pay £7,646.84 to 14 workers.        
    116. Start Afresh Cleaning Limited, Ipswich, IP1, failed to pay £7,630.05 to 15 workers.        
    117. Mr Atul Patel & Mr Bhikhubhai Patel, Northampton, NN5, failed to pay £7,386.13 to 1 worker.        
    118. K J Curson Growers Limited, Wisbech, PE14, failed to pay £7,311.72 to 11 workers.        
    119. Artico Limited, Monmouth, NP25, failed to pay £7,306.40 to 1 worker.        
    120. Tristan HCW Ltd, Bedford, MK41, failed to pay £7,227.75 to 7 workers.        
    121. Mainstage Festivals Limited, Southwark, SE1, failed to pay £7,089.61 to 4 workers.        
    122. Talash Limited, CV32, failed to pay £7,053.17 to 53 workers.        
    123. J D Wetherspoon Plc, Watford , WD24, failed to pay £7,000.00 to 282 workers.        
    124. Aroma Expresso Bar Limited, London, NW4, failed to pay £6,967.02 to 2 workers.        
    125. Lymedale Motors Limited, Newcastle Under Lyme, ST5, failed to pay £6,859.90 to 3 workers.        
    126. Golders Green Hairdressing Limited, Finchley, NW11, failed to pay £6,846.53 to 10 workers.        
    127. Head Office Hair and Beauty (Scotland) Ltd., Glasgow, G61, failed to pay £6,803.01 to 2 workers.        
    128. The Stair Arms Hotel Ltd, Pathhead, EH37, failed to pay £6,787.54 to 1 worker.        
    129. Springfields Supported Services Limited, Barking, IG11, failed to pay £6,693.35 to 19 workers.        
    130. Network Tyre & Auto Limited, Dartford, DA1, failed to pay £6,529.19 to 7 workers.        
    131. Specialist Computer Centres Plc, Birmingham, B11, failed to pay £6,491.66 to 28 workers.        
    132. Treetops Childrens Nursery Ltd, Blackpool, FY2, failed to pay £6,450.52 to 45 workers.        
    133. McDonald & Munro Limited, Elgin, IV30, failed to pay £6,436.10 to 2 workers.        
    134. Suez Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd, Maidenhead, SL6, failed to pay £6,387.96 to 47 workers.        
    135. Woodhall Capital Limited, London, EC4N, failed to pay £6,294.25 to 1 worker.        
    136. Mr Steven Prested, Meadowfield, DH7, failed to pay £6,207.12 to 1 worker.        
    137. Best Social Enterprise Ltd, London, SE1, failed to pay £6,171.64 to 10 workers.        
    138. The Buck House Limited, Wrexham, LL13, failed to pay £6,101.67 to 1 worker.        
    139. Mahmoud Shaduman Ali , Derby , DE23, failed to pay £6,091.90 to 6 workers.        
    140. Get Your Mobi Limited, Lancaster, LA1, failed to pay £6,069.51 to 8 workers.        
    141. Robertson Facilities Management Limited, Elgin, IV30, failed to pay £5,864.37 to 51 workers.        
    142. Orion Group London Limited, Wandsworth, SW18, failed to pay £5,818.69 to 1 worker.        
    143. Dee Kay Knitwear Ltd, Leicester, LE4, failed to pay £5,801.65 to 38 workers.        
    144. Miss J J Smart, Southampton, SO31, failed to pay £5,778.65 to 1 worker.        
    145. Zhanna Horn, Torquay, TQ2, failed to pay £5,749.66 to 2 workers.        
    146. The Fernlea Hotel Limited, Lytham St Annes, FY8, failed to pay £5,698.56 to 4 workers.        
    147. Gogo and Fried Chicken Limited, Coventry, CV1, failed to pay £5,665.58 to 9 workers.        
    148. Chess People Limited, Alderley Edge, SK9, failed to pay £5,629.12 to 1 worker.        
    149. Building Blocks Day Nursery (NI) Ltd, Toome, BT41, failed to pay £5,576.45 to 45 workers.        
    150. Mr Christopher Owston, North Shields, NE29, failed to pay £5,571.27 to 1 worker.        
    151. LJ Care Homes Ltd, Lincoln, LN4, failed to pay £5,568.84 to 56 workers.        
    152. Crossgates Stop N Shop Ltd, Leeds, LS15, failed to pay £5,545.63 to 4 workers.        
    153. BLFL Services Ltd, Burnham on Crouch, CM0, failed to pay £5,496.06 to 3 workers.        
    154. Mr Nigel Ian Fisher, Romsey, SO51, failed to pay £5,442.49 to 1 worker.        
    155. Mr Mathew James Hicks, Whitchurch, RG28, failed to pay £5,439.43 to 3 workers.        
    156. Old Town Car Wash Ltd, Hastings, TN35, failed to pay £5,422.92 to 5 workers.        
    157. London Street Brasserie Limited, Reading, RG1, failed to pay £5,343.77 to 13 workers.        
    158. Coton Care Limited, Wolverhampton, WV4, failed to pay £5,342.58 to 47 workers.        
    159. Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter, SL9, failed to pay £5,293.99 to 1 worker.        
    160. Premier Work Support Limited, Chatham, ME4, failed to pay £5,272.92 to 428 workers.        
    161. Power Leisure Bookmakers Limited, Hammersmith, W6, failed to pay £5,245.57 to 257 workers.        
    162. Star Lite Jobs Limited, Ilford, IG1, failed to pay £5,237.44 to 67 workers.        
    163. Vivienne Westwood Limited, Wandsworth, SW11, failed to pay £5,232.00 to 1 worker.        
    164. A.P.C. Panels Ltd, Barry, CF63, failed to pay £5,220.60 to 7 workers.        
    165. Ghani Systems Ltd, Glasgow, G42, failed to pay £5,209.68 to 15 workers.        
    166. Taylor Dental Laboratory Limited, Leicester, LE5, failed to pay £5,189.75 to 1 worker.        
    167. MEDS2U Limited, Barnsley, S73, failed to pay £5,057.78 to 8 workers.        
    168. Total Cleaning South Limited, Manston, CT12, failed to pay £5,054.94 to 218 workers.        
    169. Decorative Panels Furniture Limited , Elland, HX5, failed to pay £5,045.43 to 62 workers.        
    170. Supercar Italia Ltd, Westerham, TN16, failed to pay £4,997.94 to 1 worker.        
    171. Miss Gemma Tattersall, Horsham, RH13, failed to pay £4,886.88 to 3 workers.        
    172. Mr Muhammed Afzal Jabarkhail , Clydebank, G81, failed to pay £4,873.12 to 1 worker.        
    173. Mr Shamim Ahmed, Braunton, EX33, failed to pay £4,867.46 to 1 worker.        
    174. Canei International Limited, Nottingham, NG10, failed to pay £4,752.20 to 1 worker.        
    175. Kitty Café Leeds Limited, Leeds, LS1, failed to pay £4,745.99 to 10 workers.        
    176. DES Healthcare Limited, Lincoln, LN5, failed to pay £4,634.94 to 36 workers.        
    177. Lakeside Day Nursery Limited , Swansea, SA6, failed to pay £4,631.93 to 3 workers.        
    178. Zayani Limited, West Drayton, UB7, failed to pay £4,593.39 to 2 workers.        
    179. Eaton Electrical Systems Limited, Doncaster, DN2, failed to pay £4,576.09 to 24 workers.        
    180. Mr Fadhil Omar Ibrahim , Ripley, DE5, failed to pay £4,482.40 to 5 workers.        
    181. Central Garage (Chesham) Ltd, Hyde Heath, HP6, failed to pay £4,416.25 to 1 worker.        
    182. Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Exhibition Road, SW7, failed to pay £4,372.16 to 1 worker.        
    183. Penrhyn Inns Limited, Oldham, OL4, failed to pay £4,324.94 to 33 workers.        
    184. Everest Hotels Limited, Powys, NP8, failed to pay £4,274.77 to 4 workers.        
    185. Coastal Heating Ltd, Sheringham, NR26, failed to pay £4,267.76 to 1 worker.        
    186. UK Solutions Limited, Chelmsford, CM1, failed to pay £4,267.22 to 28 workers.        
    187. NEO Property Solutions Limited, Leeds, LS9, failed to pay £4,263.52 to 16 workers.        
    188. Mountford House Nursery Limited, Nottingham, NG5, failed to pay £4,195.32 to 1 worker.        
    189. Major Cleaning Services Limited, Potters Bar, EN6, failed to pay £4,194.74 to 25 workers.        
    190. Witham Valeting Ltd, Witham , CM8, failed to pay £4,166.48 to 8 workers.        
    191. Parsons Bakery Limited, Bristol, BS3, failed to pay £4,134.64 to 44 workers.        
    192. Mr Amir Rasool, Langholm, DG13, failed to pay £4,083.79 to 1 worker.        
    193. Grosvenor Concierge Limited  (previously GCS Facility Services Limited), Skegness, PE25, failed to pay £4,056.99 to 120 workers.        
    194. Industrial Cleaning Services (UK) Ltd, Camden, WC1N, failed to pay £4,048.91 to 41 workers.        
    195. Spring Cleaning Services Limited, Cheltenham, GL51, failed to pay £3,989.71 to 16 workers.        
    196. Sunlit Ltd, Lewisham, SE6, failed to pay £3,973.49 to 4 workers.        
    197. Blink Productions Limited, Holloway, N7, failed to pay £3,910.06 to 4 workers.        
    198. DSM Joinery Contractors Limited, Dunfermline, KY11, failed to pay £3,905.50 to 2 workers.        
    199. Fashion Fabric Transprinters Limited, Leicester, LE4, failed to pay £3,779.70 to 2 workers.        
    200. Mrs Imogen Katherine Wyvill, Mr Marmaduke D’Arcy William Wyvill and Mr Marmaduke Charles Astey Wyvill, Leyburn, DL8, failed to pay £3,724.37 to 16 workers.        
    201. Mrs Nalani Carr, Haverhill, CB9, failed to pay £3,702.83 to 1 worker.        
    202. Temple Farm Limited, Ramsgate, CT11, failed to pay £3,696.54 to 57 workers.        
    203. Walker Outboard Services Limited, Reading, RG4, failed to pay £3,647.76 to 1 worker.        
    204. Shah Foods Ltd, Newham, E16, failed to pay £3,638.69 to 2 workers.        
    205. City Office (NI) Ltd, Belfast, BT12, failed to pay £3,622.46 to 2 workers.        
    206. Ms Stacey Baker, Doune, FK16, failed to pay £3,582.87 to 1 worker.        
    207. Joarr Hot Food Emporium Limited, Southport, PR9, failed to pay £3,564.00 to 1 worker.        
    208. St John’s Road Garage Limited, Dartford, DA2, failed to pay £3,525.63 to 1 worker.        
    209. Alanya Catering Ltd, Nottingham, NG1, failed to pay £3,489.42 to 7 workers.        
    210. Care Direct Group Limited, Eastbourne, BN21, failed to pay £3,484.98 to 35 workers.        
    211. Baudelaire Limited, Alresford , SO24, failed to pay £3,454.06 to 1 worker.        
    212. House Of Glamour Limited, East Dulwich, SE22, failed to pay £3,433.06 to 1 worker.        
    213. Oshibori Scotland Ltd, Dundee, DD1, failed to pay £3,328.44 to 5 workers.        
    214. Yatab Company Ltd, Rainham, RM13, failed to pay £3,292.77 to 7 workers.        
    215. Cheeky Monkey Day Nurseries Limited, Birmingham, B15, failed to pay £3,272.93 to 22 workers.        
    216. S & W Developments Limited, Doncaster, DN5, failed to pay £3,253.46 to 1 worker.        
    217. The Lady Cleaner Ltd, Eastbourne, BN23, failed to pay £3,233.28 to 26 workers.        
    218. Mi Casa Care Ltd, Mansfield, NG19, failed to pay £3,221.07 to 23 workers.        
    219. SNC-LAVALIN RAIL & TRANSIT LIMITED, Epsom, KT18, failed to pay £3,212.78 to 11 workers.        
    220. Little Flowers Limited, Renfrew, PA4, failed to pay £3,162.05 to 1 worker.        
    221. Little Ducklings Day Nursery (Garstang) Limited, Preston, PR3, failed to pay £3,157.18 to 1 worker.        
    222. Fresh 75 Limited, Newport, PO30, failed to pay £3,132.90 to 1 worker.        
    223. Excel Parking Services Limited, Sheffield, S9, failed to pay £3,124.95 to 14 workers.        
    224. Mr Simon Foster and Mrs Jane Foster, Skipton, BD23, failed to pay £3,124.66 to 1 worker.        
    225. Mr Daniel Jenkinson , Preston, PR1, failed to pay £3,104.72 to 1 worker.        
    226. Spanners & Sparks (EK) Limited, Glasgow, G75, failed to pay £3,093.15 to 5 workers.        
    227. Central Electrical Contracts Limited, Wolverhampton, WV6, failed to pay £3,086.28 to 5 workers.        
    228. Branded Housewares Limited, Wolverhampton, WV2, failed to pay £3,066.72 to 4 workers.        
    229. Valerie Anne Sheen , Honiton, EX14, failed to pay £3,057.10 to 18 workers.        
    230. Rosebridge Private Day Nursery Limited, Wigan, WN1, failed to pay £3,056.94 to 19 workers.        
    231. Elite Motors Bodyshop Limited, Northampton, NN5, failed to pay £3,055.68 to 8 workers.        
    232. Roux Waterside Inn Limited, Bray, SL6, failed to pay £3,022.52 to 19 workers.        
    233. P.B Services (Wales) Limited, Mountain Ash, CF45, failed to pay £3,008.30 to 2 workers.        
    234. Lostock Hall Academy Trust, Preston, PR5, failed to pay £2,993.98 to 2 workers.        
    235. Taylor Shaw Limited, Macclesfield, SK11, failed to pay £2,958.43 to 2 workers.        
    236. Sage Hair Care (Salons) Limited, Cardiff, CF5, failed to pay £2,938.09 to 3 workers.        
    237. Mr Andrew Petrou, Walworth, SE17, failed to pay £2,907.33 to 1 worker.        
    238. Crystal Car Wash and Valeting Ltd, Loughborough, LE11, failed to pay £2,852.00 to 1 worker.        
    239. KEYSIGNS LIMITED, Bellshill, ML4, failed to pay £2,851.78 to 4 workers.        
    240. Centerplate UK Limited, Camden, WC1B, failed to pay £2,829.64 to 167 workers.        
    241. MN Support Services Limited, Queens Park, W10, failed to pay £2,829.17 to 294 workers.        
    242. Kirklees Active Leisure , Huddersfield, HD1, failed to pay £2,821.46 to 18 workers.        
    243. Marsden Healthcare Limited, Nelson, BB9, failed to pay £2,811.05 to 22 workers.        
    244. Mrs Michelle S Chandler, Birmingham, B44, failed to pay £2,806.72 to 2 workers.        
    245. Jamie Stevens (Kensington) Ltd, Kensington, W8, failed to pay £2,779.88 to 2 workers.        
    246. Filco Supermarkets Limited, Llantwit Major, CF61, failed to pay £2,772.41 to 118 workers.        
    247. AFH Ltd, Cardiff, CF24, failed to pay £2,771.99 to 4 workers.        
    248. Ms Philippa Funnell, Dorking, RH5, failed to pay £2,746.65 to 2 workers.        
    249. Kids at Heart (Harrogate) Limited, Knaresborough, HG5, failed to pay £2,746.08 to 3 workers.        
    250. Sparkle Cleaning Co. (London) Limited, Croydon, CR5, failed to pay £2,732.94 to 25 workers.        
    251. Lexington Catering Limited, Camden, EC4N, failed to pay £2,714.52 to 64 workers.        
    252. What A Hoot Day Nursery Limited, Blyth, NE24, failed to pay £2,712.53 to 4 workers.        
    253. Mr Andy B Fitzsimmons, Mr Ford B Fitzsimmons and Mrs Theresa G Fitzsimmons, Kilwinning, KA13, failed to pay £2,694.78 to 15 workers.        
    254. QSO Ltd, Leeds, LS4, failed to pay £2,675.41 to 10 workers.        
    255. Parkers Pets Limited, Southsea, PO5, failed to pay £2,665.49 to 2 workers.        
    256. Kazoku Restaurant Group Ltd, Sevenoaks, TN13, failed to pay £2,665.15 to 1 worker.        
    257. Madames Hair & Beauty Limited, Swindon, SN3, failed to pay £2,656.41 to 1 worker.        
    258. Acerta Group Limited , Warwick, CV34, failed to pay £2,629.00 to 13 workers.        
    259. London Auto Parts Limited, Wembley, HA0, failed to pay £2,622.17 to 2 workers.        
    260. Killan Structural Limited, Oldham, OL3, failed to pay £2,620.45 to 2 workers.        
    261. Sandersons (N.W.) Ltd, Blackpool, FY4, failed to pay £2,603.82 to 3 workers.        
    262. A & K Home Care Services Ltd, Napton, CV47, failed to pay £2,603.14 to 78 workers.        
    263. Chaplins Hotel Limited, Blackpool, FY1, failed to pay £2,586.56 to 2 workers.        
    264. Calmac Developments Limited, Dumfries, DG2, failed to pay £2,583.77 to 17 workers.        
    265. La Reserve Aparthotel (Manchester) Limited, Manchester, M1, failed to pay £2,567.66 to 13 workers.        
    266. Ultimate Stores Limited, London, NW1, failed to pay £2,560.34 to 4 workers.        
    267. Drayton Manor Resort Limited, Tamworth, B78, failed to pay £2,559.58 to 25 workers.        
    268. Community Foundation, Birmingham, B19, failed to pay £2,500.24 to 2 workers.        
    269. D and G Pub Company Limited, Darlington, DL3, failed to pay £2,498.17 to 35 workers.        
    270. Poplars Blossoms Nursery School Limited, Nottingham, NG5, failed to pay £2,494.39 to 1 worker.        
    271. Vonsung Limited, Islington, EC1Y, failed to pay £2,485.20 to 1 worker.        
    272. Cornish Premier Pasties Limited, Newquay, TR9, failed to pay £2,467.45 to 53 workers.        
    273. The Clansmans Rest Ltd, Glasgow, G40, failed to pay £2,417.22 to 3 workers.        
    274. Natural Care 53 Limited, Manchester, M12, failed to pay £2,412.03 to 1 worker.        
    275. TKE Landscaping Ltd, Wendens Ambo, CB11, failed to pay £2,403.16 to 3 workers.        
    276. Mockingbird Lane Ltd, Glasgow, G11, failed to pay £2,387.07 to 1 worker.        
    277. Mr Patrick G Neilan, Glasgow, G43, failed to pay £2,383.29 to 2 workers.        
    278. Brean Leisure Park Ltd, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8, failed to pay £2,371.57 to 12 workers.        
    279. Davidsons Plumbing & Heating Limited , Bristol, BS5, failed to pay £2,349.54 to 4 workers.        
    280. Motor Body Centre Limited, Birmingham, B18, failed to pay £2,346.49 to 1 worker.        
    281. S & S Care (UK) Limited, Caergwrle, LL12, failed to pay £2,340.72 to 49 workers.        
    282. Kelton Nursery, Liverpool, L18, failed to pay £2,334.79 to 10 workers.        
    283. Asset India Limited, Harrow, HA1, failed to pay £2,334.54 to 2 workers.        
    284. Safegas UK Ltd, Swinton, M27, failed to pay £2,277.54 to 1 worker.        
    285. Mert GB 2 Limited, East Ham, E6, failed to pay £2,261.38 to 1 worker.        
    286. Hallwell Projects Ltd, Plymouth, PL1, failed to pay £2,211.32 to 3 workers.        
    287. Mr Andrew Roy Milward, Pembroke Dock, SA72, failed to pay £2,205.31 to 1 worker.        
    288. R & R Retail UK Limited, Luton, LU4, failed to pay £2,201.05 to 16 workers.        
    289. Salon IPS Ltd, Ipswich, IP4, failed to pay £2,189.12 to 1 worker.        
    290. Mr Narinder Kumar Nar, Birmingham, B18, failed to pay £2,173.86 to 2 workers.        
    291. Old Mill Holiday Park Limited, St Helens, PO33, failed to pay £2,172.06 to 1 worker.        
    292. Ms Caroline Wright, Birmingham, B43, failed to pay £2,170.63 to 1 worker.        
    293. Dolphin Care (IOW) Limited, Wroxall Ventnor, PO38, failed to pay £2,155.09 to 6 workers.        
    294. Whistledown Inn Limited, Newry, BT34, failed to pay £2,154.29 to 46 workers.        
    295. Renegade Hair Studio Limited, Leeds, LS2, failed to pay £2,148.74 to 1 worker.        
    296. Lethendy Cheltenham Limited, Cheltenham, GL53, failed to pay £2,144.90 to 44 workers.        
    297. Heminstone Estates Limited, Colchester, CO2, failed to pay £2,137.35 to 10 workers.        
    298. S Leicester Ltd, Leicester, LE5, failed to pay £2,127.17 to 38 workers.        
    299. GB Vape Limited, Heckmondwike, WF16, failed to pay £2,119.82 to 7 workers.        
    300. P McCarthy Limited, Brandon, IP27, failed to pay £2,108.75 to 9 workers.        
    301. K. Foley Limited, Great Blakenham, NR2, failed to pay £2,104.81 to 94 workers.        
    302. AGL Attractions Limited , Burnham-On-Sea, TA8, failed to pay £2,090.06 to 24 workers.        
    303. Techlogico Limited, Knottingley, WF11, failed to pay £2,056.43 to 6 workers.        
    304. Mr Iain Stewart Matheson, Paisley, PA1, failed to pay £2,036.50 to 6 workers.        
    305. GLASGOW WATERLOO LIMITED, Glasgow, G2, failed to pay £2,020.36 to 41 workers.        
    306. R J Ferguson Company Limited, Stewartstown, BT71, failed to pay £2,014.04 to 3 workers.        
    307. Ms Susan Meheux, Southampton, SO31, failed to pay £2,008.66 to 12 workers.        
    308. Mr David Odudu, Sheffield, S9, failed to pay £1,992.53 to 1 worker.        
    309. Mr Hazar Ibrahim Hamid, Doncaster, DN5, failed to pay £1,961.64 to 5 workers.        
    310. M&C Jones Building Contractors Limited, Rhyl, LL18, failed to pay £1,954.46 to 2 workers.        
    311. Hi-Spec Facilities Services Ltd, Dartford, DA2, failed to pay £1,938.75 to 96 workers.        
    312. Calibre Building & Decorating Services Limited, Lichfield, WS13, failed to pay £1,937.89 to 1 worker.        
    313. CPM Electrical Ltd, Omagh, BT79, failed to pay £1,937.71 to 4 workers.        
    314. Ashbrook Roofing & Supplies Limited, Nr Matlock, DE4, failed to pay £1,912.65 to 5 workers.        
    315. Mr Thomas Hutchison, Prestonpans, EH32, failed to pay £1,901.44 to 1 worker.        
    316. Mr Khalid Javid, Chester, CH2, failed to pay £1,891.42 to 1 worker.        
    317. South Golden Mountain Limited, Eastbourne, BN21, failed to pay £1,888.52 to 1 worker.        
    318. Oldbury Grange Nursing Home Ltd, Nuneaton, CV10, failed to pay £1,878.02 to 65 workers.        
    319. OC Electric Limited, Benton, NE12, failed to pay £1,869.32 to 1 worker.        
    320. Seagrave Decorations Limited, Kettering, NN16, failed to pay £1,847.76 to 4 workers.        
    321. Little Angels Fun Club and Nursery Limited, Bedlington, NE22, failed to pay £1,832.96 to 92 workers.        
    322. GAPJ Ivinghoe Ltd, Leighton Buzzard, LU7, failed to pay £1,828.25 to 5 workers.        
    323. Vapour C Co Ltd, Gillingham, ME7, failed to pay £1,822.57 to 2 workers.        
    324. Wide Range Services Limited, Hull, HU12, failed to pay £1,816.72 to 1 worker.        
    325. Hughes (Family Bakers) Holdings Limited, Bradford, BD18, failed to pay £1,811.57 to 26 workers.        
    326. A W Pettitt Limited, Windermere, LA23, failed to pay £1,810.90 to 5 workers.        
    327. Smartway Holding Limited, Holloway, N7, failed to pay £1,800.00 to 1 worker.        
    328. Beaux Health and Wellbeing Ltd, Taunton, TA1, failed to pay £1,791.96 to 1 worker.        
    329. Saggiomo Luxury Foods Limited, Croydon, CR0, failed to pay £1,787.60 to 1 worker.        
    330. John Clark (Holdings) Limited , Aberdeen, AB12, failed to pay £1,785.63 to 5 workers.        
    331. Swiftclean (UK) Limited, Southend-on-Sea, SS2, failed to pay £1,761.48 to 5 workers.        
    332. Reachout Healthcare Limited, Stockport, SK5, failed to pay £1,757.42 to 31 workers.        
    333. Mr Ian T Henderson, Accrington, BB5, failed to pay £1,740.90 to 2 workers.        
    334. Clarke Group Construction Limited, Wyberton, PE21, failed to pay £1,736.49 to 1 worker.        
    335. MRB Cleaning Limited, Swansea, SA1, failed to pay £1,733.88 to 1 worker.        
    336. Mr John Fulton Allen & Mr John Gary King,  Strabane, BT82, failed to pay £1,725.59 to 1 worker.        
    337. Belmont Hotel (Leicester) Limited, Leicester, LE1, failed to pay £1,710.28 to 36 workers.        
    338. Mini Me Private Day Nursery Limited, Newport, NP19, failed to pay £1,708.33 to 15 workers.        
    339. Glow Trade Ltd, Leicester, LE5, failed to pay £1,706.46 to 20 workers.        
    340. Mr Jason Hearn, Taunton, TA1, failed to pay £1,706.12 to 2 workers.        
    341. Country Park Leisure Limited, Hessle, HU13, failed to pay £1,705.13 to 13 workers.        
    342. C & C Precision Engineering Services Limited, Rowley Regis, B65, failed to pay £1,704.30 to 1 worker.        
    343. Karen Jeffrey , Wishaw, ML2, failed to pay £1,683.58 to 4 workers.        
    344. DNA Cleaning Solutions Limited, Twickenham, TW2, failed to pay £1,670.29 to 25 workers.        
    345. Assured Care (Stockport) Ltd., Stockport, SK1, failed to pay £1,666.57 to 79 workers.        
    346. Graylaw International Freight Group Ltd, Skelmersdale, WN8, failed to pay £1,663.46 to 7 workers.        
    347. SPI Trading Limited, Lisburn , BT28, failed to pay £1,656.74 to 3 workers.        
    348. Executive Hire Ltd., Glasgow, G74, failed to pay £1,650.54 to 3 workers.        
    349. Accelerate Cleaning Solutions Ltd, Ipswich, IP7, failed to pay £1,650.38 to 106 workers.        
    350. LGH Plumbing & Heating Services Limited, Leigh, WN7, failed to pay £1,624.77 to 1 worker.        
    351. Samuel Eales Silverware Limited, Sheffield, S3, failed to pay £1,619.79 to 1 worker.        
    352. High Grove Beds Limited, Liversedge, WF15, failed to pay £1,610.43 to 8 workers.        
    353. Shakes n Cakes Aberdeen Ltd, Aberdeen, AB24, failed to pay £1,597.98 to 1 worker.        
    354. Bespoke Cuisine Ltd, Bethnal Green, EC1V, failed to pay £1,587.04 to 1 worker.        
    355. Mascallkelly Limited, Cleveland, TS12, failed to pay £1,576.59 to 19 workers.        
    356. Sher Gill Enterprises Limited, Dunoon, PA23, failed to pay £1,557.58 to 1 worker.        
    357. Ms Hiromi Sato, London, SW4, failed to pay £1,551.71 to 2 workers.        
    358. R.Loughlin Electrical Services Ltd, Castlederg, BT81, failed to pay £1,542.58 to 3 workers.        
    359. Papermoon Nurseries (Boultham Park) Limited, Lincoln, LN6, failed to pay £1,535.25 to 11 workers.        
    360. SB Rom Food Center Ltd, Hounslow, TW3, failed to pay £1,533.80 to 9 workers.        
    361. Mr Robert Pontefract, Stamford, PE9, failed to pay £1,531.55 to 1 worker.        
    362. Grant Leisure Group Limited, Blackpool, FY3, failed to pay £1,495.62 to 15 workers.        
    363. Everbright Lodge Ltd, Llangollen, LL20, failed to pay £1,475.07 to 25 workers.        
    364. Biscuit Clothing Ltd, Edinburgh, EH10, failed to pay £1,469.89 to 1 worker.        
    365. Brockencote Hall Hotel Limited, Leamington Spa, CV33, failed to pay £1,468.25 to 19 workers.        
    366. Mr Francis Joseph McParland and Mr Peter Liam McParland , Armagh, BT61, failed to pay £1,466.04 to 4 workers.        
    367. Colemans Garden Centre Ltd, Templepatrick, BT39, failed to pay £1,450.11 to 35 workers.        
    368. Southcoast Homecare Ltd, Chichester, PO19, failed to pay £1,438.93 to 9 workers.        
    369. Booth & Stirland Limited, Ripley, DE5, failed to pay £1,434.97 to 3 workers.        
    370. Grieve Decor Limited, Berwick Upon Tweed, TD15, failed to pay £1,415.11 to 2 workers.        
    371. Barry Tyre Centre Limited, Barry, CF63, failed to pay £1,408.88 to 1 worker.        
    372. Piddle Brewery Limited, Dorchester, DT2, failed to pay £1,407.79 to 1 worker.        
    373. Forseti Law Ltd, Bolton, BL1, failed to pay £1,403.87 to 1 worker.        
    374. Wash Me Clean Ltd, Bracknell, RG12, failed to pay £1,400.27 to 1 worker.        
    375. Colonnade (Operator) Limited, Little Venice, W9, failed to pay £1,385.11 to 1 worker.        
    376. Mario Gianni Limited, Stockport, SK7, failed to pay £1,378.94 to 3 workers.        
    377. Moyo’s Brothers Limited, Brighton, BN1, failed to pay £1,373.14 to 2 workers.        
    378. Atticus Cleaning Services Limited, Altrincham, WA14, failed to pay £1,364.89 to 1 worker.        
    379. Mrs Jane Boome and Miss Verity Jane Boome, Peterborough, PE7, failed to pay £1,360.84 to 13 workers.        
    380. Get Grip Auto Ltd, Cheltenham, GL53, failed to pay £1,348.25 to 2 workers.        
    381. Downs Holdings Limited, Yarm, TS15, failed to pay £1,339.48 to 8 workers.        
    382. Direct Cleaning Services (Oxford) Limited, Weston-Super-Mare, BS22, failed to pay £1,323.74 to 1 worker.        
    383. Viv Designs Ltd, Gravesend, DA12, failed to pay £1,317.95 to 1 worker.        
    384. Sycamore Farm Park Limited, Skegness, PE24, failed to pay £1,311.54 to 2 workers.        
    385. SMK Building & Joinery Contractors Ltd, Todmorden, OL14, failed to pay £1,297.16 to 1 worker.        
    386. Richard Tate Limited, Leeds, LS10, failed to pay £1,294.02 to 1 worker.        
    387. JDP Hotels Ltd, Wakefield, WF2, failed to pay £1,289.98 to 34 workers.        
    388. Miss Abby Fox, Widnes, WA8, failed to pay £1,270.35 to 10 workers.        
    389. Polish Village Bakery Ltd, Manchester , M17, failed to pay £1,267.37 to 43 workers.        
    390. ENERGY DUNDEE 4 U LTD , Dundee, DD4, failed to pay £1,263.65 to 15 workers.        
    391. Synvestment Ltd, High Wycombe, HP12, failed to pay £1,262.39 to 2 workers.        
    392. Peony Culture Communication Limited, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1, failed to pay £1,247.02 to 1 worker.        
    393. Easy Clean Contractors Limited, Peterborough, PE7, failed to pay £1,246.92 to 125 workers.        
    394. R Binks Construction Limited, Bolton, BL2, failed to pay £1,244.33 to 3 workers.        
    395. Mrs Julie Shaw, Knaresborough, HG5, failed to pay £1,231.68 to 20 workers.        
    396. Mrs Karaimjit Gill, Barry, CF63, failed to pay £1,230.73 to 1 worker.        
    397. Mcaleer & McGarrity Ltd, Cookstown, BT80, failed to pay £1,207.77 to 2 workers.        
    398. M.P.M Consumer Products Limited, Manchester, M11, failed to pay £1,205.73 to 32 workers.        
    399. K.L.N. Limited , Brent, NW6, failed to pay £1,203.83 to 2 workers.        
    400. GMD SERVICES LIMITED, Kingston Upon Hull, HU3, failed to pay £1,193.24 to 2 workers.        
    401. C.V.East Ltd, Colchester , CO1, failed to pay £1,185.68 to 7 workers.        
    402. Mr Jonathan Hope and Mr Charlie Hope, Slough, SL3, failed to pay £1,183.12 to 3 workers.        
    403. Belshaw Bookkeeping Services Limited, Bacup, OL13, failed to pay £1,179.76 to 1 worker.        
    404. D Allen Transport Limited, St Helens, WA9, failed to pay £1,178.73 to 4 workers.        
    405. Mrs S & Mr G Clough, Bradford, BD12, failed to pay £1,162.79 to 1 worker.        
    406. Golden Cue Snooker Club Limited, Bilston, WV14, failed to pay £1,147.43 to 1 worker.        
    407. South Wales Building and Construction Limited, Newport, NP11, failed to pay £1,135.47 to 2 workers.        
    408. Form Communal Maintenance Limited, Hartford, CW8, failed to pay £1,131.97 to 1 worker.        
    409. SMS Bars Limited, Stockport, SK1, failed to pay £1,115.11 to 2 workers.        
    410. Grace Construction and Management Ltd, Derby, DE1, failed to pay £1,113.49 to 1 worker.        
    411. Alveston House Hotel Limited, Thornbury, BS35, failed to pay £1,109.12 to 1 worker.        
    412. Mrs Pearl Moore, Blackpool, FY4, failed to pay £1,094.75 to 3 workers.        
    413. Think Wraps Ltd, Poole, BH12, failed to pay £1,053.08 to 1 worker.        
    414. Telebizz Ltd, Plymouth, PL7, failed to pay £1,048.56 to 72 workers.        
    415. Hill Top Day Nursery Limited, Swadlincote, DE12, failed to pay £1,041.04 to 2 workers.        
    416. W. Corbett & Co. (Galvanizing) Limited, Telford, TF7, failed to pay £1,039.53 to 36 workers.        
    417. Autocare (Benfleet) Limited, Stanford-Le-Hope, SS17, failed to pay £1,032.23 to 2 workers.        
    418. Pork Farms Limited, Nottingham, NG2, failed to pay £1,029.77 to 9 workers.        
    419. Galdin Limited, Hackney, N1, failed to pay £1,024.50 to 5 workers.        
    420. Trinity Park Nursery Ltd, Craigavon, BT67, failed to pay £1,020.97 to 17 workers.        
    421. Mr Thanabalasingam Ketheeswarathas and Mrs Sivasuki Ketheeswarathas, Ipswich, IP2, failed to pay £1,006.83 to 2 workers.        
    422. G P H Carpentry Limited, Newquay, TR8, failed to pay £1,003.04 to 2 workers.        
    423. Euro Car Wash (South East) Limited, Greenwich, SE7, failed to pay £992.56 to 3 workers.        
    424. Mrs Melanie Elizabet Brown, Kirkcaldy, KY1, failed to pay £986.58 to 1 worker.        
    425. A O Hand Car Wash & Valeting Ltd, Peckham, SE15, failed to pay £982.62 to 3 workers.        
    426. Dash-Cae Limited, Oxford, OX14, failed to pay £976.19 to 1 worker.        
    427. Janette Allen Limited, Braintree, CM77, failed to pay £976.18 to 1 worker.        
    428. Ms Sarah Balfour, York, YO10, failed to pay £967.87 to 1 worker.        
    429. Allied Industrial Products Limited, Salford, M5, failed to pay £955.78 to 1 worker.        
    430. Cummins Ltd, Darlington, DL1, failed to pay £954.04 to 11 workers.        
    431. Ramsbottom Cricket Club, Bury, BL0, failed to pay £931.67 to 2 workers.        
    432. Soughton Shoot Limited, Northop, Mold,, CH7, failed to pay £927.24 to 1 worker.        
    433. Mrs Penni Durdy, Doncaster, DN9, failed to pay £924.04 to 1 worker.        
    434. Friends Care Agency Limited, Sandy, SG19, failed to pay £923.84 to 20 workers.        
    435. French Connection UK Limited, Camden, NW1, failed to pay £917.95 to 57 workers.        
    436. Precision Workwear Limited, Stamford, PE9, failed to pay £916.35 to 1 worker.        
    437. Joinex Joinery Express Limited, Brentford, TW8, failed to pay £882.61 to 12 workers.        
    438. Yorkcloud Limited, Ulverston, LA12, failed to pay £872.20 to 2 workers.        
    439. KR Scotland Ltd, Edinburgh, EH3, failed to pay £849.21 to 3 workers.        
    440. The KLE (Berwick) Group Ltd, Berwick Upon Tweed, TD15, failed to pay £838.48 to 2 workers.        
    441. Zig Zag Day Nursery Limited, Peterborough, PE1, failed to pay £827.98 to 21 workers.        
    442. Birdies Day Nursery Limited, Lisburn, BT28, failed to pay £821.32 to 8 workers.        
    443. Sooty Olive Ltd, Waterside, BT47, failed to pay £819.24 to 33 workers.        
    444. Bright Bees Nursery Ltd, Leicester, LE4, failed to pay £817.06 to 1 worker.        
    445. What The Fish Limited, Richmond upon Thames, SW14, failed to pay £801.08 to 1 worker.        
    446. SFC (Edmonton) Limited, Enfield, N9, failed to pay £798.22 to 2 workers.        
    447. Fairytales Day Nursery Limited, Dudley, DY2, failed to pay £793.38 to 7 workers.        
    448. R.G.R. Garages (Cranfield) Limited, Bedford, MK43, failed to pay £791.65 to 1 worker.        
    449. Mad Goose Catering Limited, Ellington, PE28, failed to pay £788.54 to 3 workers.        
    450. Mr Grzegorz Biezunski, Trowbridge, BA14, failed to pay £787.80 to 1 worker.        
    451. Futurerate Limited, Loughborough, LE12, failed to pay £787.20 to 1 worker.        
    452. Kids Korner Day Nurseries Ltd, Belfast, BT6, failed to pay £779.81 to 23 workers.        
    453. Inter County Cleaning Services Limited, Rushden, NN10, failed to pay £754.38 to 106 workers.        
    454. Spring Clean Commercial Ltd, Norwich, NR16, failed to pay £753.17 to 107 workers.        
    455. Clean Living Services Limited, Lambeth, SW8, failed to pay £749.48 to 16 workers.        
    456. Le Petit Francais Ltd, Edinburgh, EH6, failed to pay £744.52 to 10 workers.        
    457. Playworks Childcare Limited, Caerphilly, CF83, failed to pay £743.64 to 5 workers.        
    458. Wickhambrook Stores Limited, Newmarket, CB8, failed to pay £729.88 to 1 worker.        
    459. Rothco Independent Mortgages Ltd, Alnwick, NE66, failed to pay £729.83 to 1 worker.        
    460. James David Segal, Hull, HU1, failed to pay £729.22 to 6 workers.        
    461. Daniel Thwaites Public Limited Company, Blackburn, BB2, failed to pay £724.73 to 23 workers.        
    462. HRUK Group of Companies Ltd, Leeds, LS8, failed to pay £719.11 to 1 worker.        
    463. Historic Hotels & Properties Ltd, Scarborough, YO11, failed to pay £707.11 to 5 workers.        
    464. Penge Car Care ltd, Croydon, SE25, failed to pay £682.48 to 2 workers.        
    465. Craig Gordon Building Services Ltd, Edinburgh, EH11, failed to pay £680.17 to 1 worker.        
    466. Mountview Hotels Ltd, Callander, FK17, failed to pay £672.60 to 1 worker.        
    467. Paragon Quality Foods Ltd, Doncaster, DN3, failed to pay £670.56 to 21 workers.        
    468. Core Electrical Solutions Ltd, Beckenham, BR3, failed to pay £658.78 to 2 workers.        
    469. Snacks Van Ltd, Watford, WD25, failed to pay £658.20 to 1 worker.        
    470. MacDonald Hotels (Management) Limited, Bathgate, EH48, failed to pay £648.78 to 1 worker.        
    471. Kelly Teggin Hairdressing Ltd, Knaresborough, HG5, failed to pay £647.19 to 1 worker.        
    472. Safe Gas (N.I.) Limited, Newtonabbey, BT36, failed to pay £639.10 to 1 worker.        
    473. Harrison Wade Ltd, Manchester, M1, failed to pay £636.04 to 2 workers.        
    474. Spectrum Energy Guard Ltd, Bournemouth, BH1, failed to pay £621.72 to 1 worker.        
    475. Gastronomy Foods UK Limited, Shrewsbury, SY1, failed to pay £618.76 to 51 workers.        
    476. Jobseekrs Limited, Manchester, M15, failed to pay £613.88 to 1 worker.        
    477. Stepping-Stones-Services Limited, Rochdale, OL11, failed to pay £611.13 to 19 workers.        
    478. Tramp Hair Boutique Limited, Stockport, SK1, failed to pay £610.40 to 1 worker.        
    479. Emporio Fashion Ltd, Leicester, LE5, failed to pay £608.85 to 18 workers.        
    480. Halton Concrete Ltd, Widnes, WA8, failed to pay £607.43 to 2 workers.        
    481. Kanto Stranmillis Limited, Belfast, BT9, failed to pay £590.15 to 1 worker.        
    482. Complete Payroll and Accountancy Limited, Altrincham, M33, failed to pay £584.24 to 1 worker.        
    483. Flawless Cleaning Ltd, Smethwick, B66, failed to pay £582.02 to 1 worker.        
    484. Al Halal Supermarket Limited , Bradford, BD7, failed to pay £581.64 to 7 workers.        
    485. Max & Molly Limited, Wigan, WN3, failed to pay £579.96 to 1 worker.        
    486. Happy Children Day Nursery Limited, Ballynahinch, BT24, failed to pay £573.74 to 12 workers.        
    487. Jagard Valeting & Cleaning Services Ltd, Wellingborough, NN8, failed to pay £573.47 to 2 workers.        
    488. 247 Convenience Store (Bury) Ltd, Bury, BL8, failed to pay £571.63 to 1 worker.        
    489. The Race Horses Hotel Limited, Skipton, BD23, failed to pay £566.05 to 2 workers.        
    490. Strategic Facilities Management Ltd, Leeds, LS17, failed to pay £561.18 to 3 workers.        
    491. Mr C Saudin & Mrs P Saudin, Canterbury, CT1, failed to pay £560.48 to 2 workers.        
    492. Golden Car Limited , Perivale, UB6, failed to pay £551.80 to 1 worker.        
    493. Your Friendly Local Limited, Rotherham, S60, failed to pay £549.95 to 6 workers.        
    494. Steven Boom, East Hunsbury, NN4, failed to pay £547.20 to 2 workers.        
    495. M A Fashions Ltd, Leicester, LE5, failed to pay £545.60 to 17 workers.        
    496. Comserv Contracting & Commercial Limited, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3, failed to pay £544.19 to 1 worker.        
    497. Bonner Studs Limited, Walsall, WS2, failed to pay £537.45 to 1 worker.        
    498. M & C Retail Limited, Darlington, DL1, failed to pay £537.36 to 4 workers.        
    499. Legacy Resorts Limited, Newton Stewart, DG8, failed to pay £536.69 to 1 worker.        
    500. E.K.S Living Clean Ltd, Norwich, NR6, failed to pay £533.58 to 5 workers.        
    501. SC HCW Ltd, Belfast, BT5, failed to pay £533.54 to 7 workers.        
    502. David Alexander Forbes, Inverurie, AB51, failed to pay £531.64 to 2 workers.        
    503. Arunagiri UK LTD, Rickmansworth, WD3, failed to pay £530.92 to 2 workers.        
    504. Millfield Haulage Limited, York, YO26, failed to pay £530.91 to 2 workers.        
    505. Ardmore (Co. Derry) Pre-Cast Concrete Limited, Ardmore, BT47, failed to pay £525.69 to 1 worker.        
    506. W1 Soho Ltd., Soho, W1D, failed to pay £523.20 to 1 worker.        
    507. Shree Siddhi Limited, Glasgow, G66, failed to pay £515.76 to 7 workers.        
    508. 41 Cars Hull Ltd, Hull, HU9, failed to pay £515.72 to 2 workers.        
    509. Felix Inns Ltd, Solihull, B92, failed to pay £514.09 to 20 workers.        
    510. Eastchurch Holiday Centre Limited, Eastchurch, ME12, failed to pay £511.70 to 1 worker.        
    511. Surf N Turf Limited, Leicester, LE2, failed to pay £511.63 to 2 workers.        
    512. Red House Garage Limited, St Helens, WA11, failed to pay £511.43 to 1 worker.        
    513. Classic Decorators (UK) Limited, Barry, CF63, failed to pay £511.43 to 1 worker.        
    514. John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs Limited, Aberdeen, AB24, failed to pay £505.82 to 3 workers.        
    515. Timberquay Limited, Derry, BT48, failed to pay £503.98 to 14 workers.        
    516. Ace Support FM Ltd, Barnet, N14, failed to pay £501.60 to 1 worker.        
    517. Sleepwell (Cumbria) Limited, Barrow In Furness, LA14, failed to pay £500.95 to 1 worker.        
    518. Blank Brixton Ltd, Brixton, SW2, failed to pay £287.31 to 1 worker.        

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Robotics demo points to interstellar future

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Robotics demo points to interstellar future

    UKAEA and Space Solar have collaborated on a robotics demonstration unit to pave the way for space-based data centres, solar farms and other megastructures.

    AlbaTRUSS Single Transporter at UKAEA’s Culham Campus – Image Credit: Space Solar

    A collaboration between the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the UK’s national organisation responsible for the research and delivery of sustainable fusion energy, and space-tech innovator, Space Solar, has shown that robotic technology could build infrastructure in space without human intervention.

    The AlbaTRUSS project, conducted at UKAEA’s advanced test facilities on Culham Campus, Oxfordshire, used remotely operated dual-arm robotic manipulators to show that robots could assemble gigawatt-scale solar power satellites.

    The successful demonstration opens the door to building vast infrastructure projects in orbit, such as data centres and energy farms.

    Dr Sam Adlen, Co-CEO of Space Solar, said:

    The AlbaTRUSS project is a milestone not just for our satellite architecture, but for the future of large-scale structures in space, from data centres to energy infrastructure.

    Space Solar aims to harness abundant solar energy in space to provide power to energy-hungry consumers on Earth. Its space-based solar technology requires satellites comprised of hundreds of thousands of modular units to be put together in orbit.

    “Up in space, the sun shines 24-7. Once constructed, these satellites capture solar power and beam it back down to Earth in the form of microwaves, which can be received by antennas on the ground and converted into electricity for the grid,” explained Dr Adlen.

    The structures are designed to be several kilometres long and around 20 meters wide.

    AlbaTRUSS, a proof-of-concept project, showed that robots could assemble a scaled structural truss bay, or tubing called longeron, which forms a core element of the satellite’s framework.  

    Unlike the International Space Station – the largest structure built in space to date – most satellites are single structures or feature only small additional elements that must be deployed in space.

    Using robots to remotely assemble, maintain and decommission infrastructure is more efficient and reduces the risks faced by astronauts.

    Space Solar used UKAEA’s centre for Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) because fusion and space robotics have a number of things in common – they don’t require oxygenated environments and can function in varying degrees of radiation.

    Professor Rob Buckingham, Executive Director of UKAEA, said:

    Building a machine as complicated as a fusion power plant on Earth, which will be entirely remotely operated, is similar to building structures in space. It could be a lunar station or a facility on Mars, so we’re talking about the future of humanity as well as ensuring energy security.

    Working closely with people in adjacent fields is vital for UKAEA. By enabling new perspectives, it inspires our staff to think of different ways to solve challenges. It is hugely valuable to both parties.

    Space-based solar power and fusion energy each have the potential to deliver constant, low-carbon baseload energy around the world. This partnership demonstrates that the UK is leading on multiple fronts to develop new sustainable energy sources.

    The UKAEA-Space Solar partnership intends to strengthen the UK’s leadership in the fast-growing In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) sector.  

    “This achievement opens up new horizons for the space sector, an adjacent economic sphere that can ensure a bright future here on Earth,” concluded Dr Adlen.  

    The AlbaTRUSS project was supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Proof of Concept grant.

    Space Solar plans to commission its first 30MW demonstrator system by 2029 and reach full gigawatt-scale capacity by the early 2030s.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement: UK and EU welcome Viet Nam JETP progress

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Statement: UK and EU welcome Viet Nam JETP progress

    The UK and EU welcome progress on Viet Nam’s Just Energy Transition Partnership as President Macron of France visits the country

    On behalf of the International Partners Group (IPG), the European Union and the United Kingdom – IPG co-leads for the Viet Nam Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) – warmly welcome French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Viet Nam, reaffirming support for Viet Nam’s goal to deliver a clean energy transition that is inclusive and rooted in sustainable growth on the pathway to ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050.  

    On 26th May, President Macron and President Lương Cường announced progress on two important JETP-supported investment projects:

    • A Credit Financing Agreement between Electricity of Vietnam National Power Transmission Corporation (EVN NPT) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) of €67 million to build a 500kV transmission line and substations across the Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces. This project will increase the national transmission network’s capacity to integrate renewable energy and deliver reliable electricity in key economic regions in southern Viet Nam.

    • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EVN and AFD as coordinator of six IPG Development Finance Institutions (AFD, EIB, JICA, KfW, CDP, and Proparco) and the EU, acknowledging €490 million for the construction of the first 1200 MW Pumped Storage Hydropower project in Vietnam located in Bac Ai, Ninh Thuan province. This large-scale energy storage project will improve grid resilience and enable further integration of variable renewable energy sources into Vietnam’s energy mix. This pilot project also contributes to the development of regulatory, financial, and investment approaches, paving the way for related future partnerships.

    France’s and IPG’s €547 million financial contribution to these two flagship energy transition projects marks an important step towards delivering the public finance commitments under the JETP.

    The EU and UK remain fully committed to the JETP as co-leads, working with Viet Nam as it continues to raise ambitions for tackling emissions, limiting coal and increasing the share of renewables as set out in the recently revised of National Power Development Plan (PDP8).

    In addition to mobilising project-specific finance, the IPG will continue to engage closely with the Government of Viet Nam, the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), and wider JETP partners, to promote a strong enabling policy environment for developers and investors that drives Viet Nam’s future green growth ambition.

    What is the JETP ?

    The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) is a cooperation initiative and related Political Declaration agreed in December 2022 between Viet Nam and the International Partners Group (IPG; now comprised of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Denmark and Norway, and co-led by the EU and the UK. The overarching goal is to support the country’s energy transition trajectory towards its 2050 net zero emissions commitment. The JETP Political Declaration consequently sets out 3 main targets:

    1. Accelerate and cap the peaking of GHG emissions from the power sector at 170 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030;
    2. Limit the installed capacity of coal-fired power plants to 30.2 gigawatts by 2030;
    3. Increase the share of renewable energy in the power mix to 47% by 2030, promoting investments in wind, solar, and other clean energy sources.

    In support of these targets, the JETP partners secured original funding commitments of $15.5 billion, including $7.5 billion public sector finance from IPG members (grants, concessional and commercial loans and instruments) and $7.5 billion private sector finance facilitated by the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ). 

    JETPs are also being implemented to support the energy transitions in South Africa, Indonesia and Senegal.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Maldives strengthen emergency response capabilities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK and Maldives strengthen emergency response capabilities

    UK and Maldives strengthen Emergency Response Capabilities through ‘Amaan Asseyri’ a Joint Emergency Response Exercise on 26th and 27th May 2025.

    The President’s office in partnership with the British High Commission Male’ have successfully concluded a two-day training and table-top exercise aimed at enhancing the Maldives’ capability to respond to large-scale emergencies involving terrorism elements.

    The exercise, held at Crossroads Maldives, brought together eleven key security agencies from the Government of Maldives to build understanding around their roles and responsibilities during terrorist incidents, improve information flows to national coordination bodies, and identify strengths and areas for improvement in the National Terrorism Response Plan.

    Speaking at the conclusion of the exercise, Ben Mellor, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Director for Indo-Pacific said:

    The UK remains committed to supporting our partners in building robust security frameworks. This joint exercise demonstrates the strong and enduring security partnership between the UK and Maldives, which has developed over many years of cooperation.

    National Security Advisor H.E. Ibrahim Latheef stated:

    The table-top Exercise will set a benchmark for future initiatives—one that promotes operational excellence, builds confidence among agencies. the strength of our preparedness will define the strength of our response.

    He thanked the UK for their continued support to Maldives development particularly the security sector.

    The UK has a longstanding commitment to security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, with the Maldives being a key partner. The UK continues to work with several Maldivian agencies particularly in security, to help keep both British and Maldivian citizens safe.

    This exercise builds upon UK-Maldives security cooperation initiatives, which have included training, knowledge sharing, and capacity building across various security sectors.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government steps in to build first major reservoirs in 30 years

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Government steps in to build first major reservoirs in 30 years

    New reservoirs will supply three quarters of a million homes and unlock the building of tens of thousands more as part of the Plan for Change

    Aerial shot of a circular slipway, Ardingly reservoir, West Sussex

    In a significant intervention to speed up delivery of much-needed reservoirs, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed has seized control of the planning process to build two major reservoirs for the first time since the 1990s. 

    This immediate step delivers on this government’s commitment to fast-track the delivery of nine new reservoirs, supporting its plans to get Britain building and deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament.

    Without these projects, national water supplies will remain under threat and new homes simply cannot be built.

    With the government taking decisive control, two new reservoir projects in East Anglia and Lincolnshire have been awarded status of ‘nationally significant’. This means the project is so crucial that the planning process is escalated from a local level to the Secretary of State.

    This milestone will streamline and accelerate the planning process, to shore up water resources for over three quarters of a million homes in England’s most water-stressed areas.  

    Rapid population growth, crumbling infrastructure that has been left to decline, and a warming climate mean the UK could run out of clean drinking water by the middle of the next decade without a major infrastructure overhaul. 

    To sustain our water supply into the future, the government will also legislate to radically streamline the planning process – meaning the ‘nationally significant’ designation is automatic for projects like these which are fundamental to our national water resilience.  

    This comes as part of the Plan for Change, which will bring forward building 150 major infrastructure projects this Parliament, creating new jobs and driving economic growth. 

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:  

    Today we are backing the builders not the blockers, intervening in the national interest and slashing red tape to make the planning process faster to unblock nine new reservoirs.  

    This Government will secure our water supply for future generations and unlock the building of thousands of homes as part of the Plan for Change.

    David Black, Chief Executive of Ofwat said:

    We welcome the clear focus the Government is placing upon accelerating the delivery of supply and resilience schemes that will meet our future water needs and support economic growth. Alongside the £2 billion of development funding announced at our 2024 Price Review, this will help us to deliver the largest programme of major water infrastructure projects – including nine new reservoirs – seen in decades.

    Meanwhile, the risk of drought this summer is increasing, with the Environment Agency urging water companies to do more to safeguard water supplies after the driest start to spring in 69 years.   

    Reservoirs, which collect and store water, are essential to keep water supply reliable and consistent even during dry weather – but no new reservoirs have been delivered since 1992, over 30 years ago. 

    Thousands of much needed homes in Cambridge and North Sussex are currently being blocked due to concerns around water scarcity.

    Anglian Water are proposing to build the Lincolnshire Reservoir to the south of Sleaford, aiming to be operational by 2040. They have also partnered with Cambridge Water to propose the Fens Reservoir, located between the towns of Chatteris and March, set to be completed in 2036. 

    The Lincolnshire Reservoir would provide up to 166 million litres of water per day for up to 500,000 homes – that is the equivalent of more than 664 million cups of tea day. The Fens would supply a much needed 87 million litres to 250,000 homes in the driest region of the UK. 

    Both projects will now progress to consultation phase, where developers gather views from communities and stakeholders. 

    Water companies have committed to bring 9 new reservoirs online by 2050, in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Suffolk, Kent, East Sussex and the West Midlands and Somerset. These reservoirs alone have the potential to provide 670 million litres of extra water per day. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appeal to trace relatives of the late Jonathon Hutchingson

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Jonathon Edward Hutchingson, previously known as Jonathon Edward Glazebrook, was aged 63 and lived in the Pendeford area of Wolverhampton. He was originally from Brentwood, Essex.

    Anyone who is related to Mr Hutchingson or has any information which may help trace his relatives are asked to please call Protection and Funerals Officer Diane Washbrook on 07967 769826 or email diane.washbrook@wolverhampton.gov.uk as soon as possible.

    The council makes appeals of this nature as it believes that families and acquaintances of the deceased should be notified and be given the opportunity to get involved with the funeral arrangements, should they wish to.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transformation of Adult Social Care delivering better outcomes

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    A report presented to members of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet last week outlined a number of improvements that have been made, leading to reduced waiting times for support and greater independence for the residents of Wolverhampton.

    The council says that the transformation of Adult Social Care was needed to address the rising demand for care and the complexity of need, particularly as the city recovered from Covid-19 which had a significant impact – with demand increasing by 31% over the last 5 years.

    In that time, the budget for care packages has increased by £44.6 million, with a further £11 million increase approved for 2025 to 2026, making Adult Social Care the council’s highest area of spend.

    As part of the transformation programme, the council has been working with IMPOWER, a sector specialist organisation that supports local government with complex change and which helped the council successfully deliver its transformation of Children’s Services in 2016.

    Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “As a council one of our key priorities is ensuring that residents who need it are able to receive high quality care – and we know from our recent budget consultation that this is a top priority for the people of Wolverhampton too.

    “We are determined to ensure Adult Social Care services are the best they can possibly be, but we must also be mindful that the increase in costs which we have seen in recent years is not sustainable in the long term.

    “This is why we’ve embarked on an ambitious programme of transformation which will ensure the service is fit for purpose, can meet current and future demands, is sustainable and is able to support people to live safely and as independently as possible.”

    As part of the transformation, the council has completed a series of ‘test and learn’ programmes which have already delivered a number of improvements, including the establishment of a new ‘front door’ team which has simplified pathways and ensured that people receive support in a timelier manner, reducing wait times from months to less than 5 working days in most cases.

    In addition, the number of people requiring support from the locality social work teams has reduced by over half because the front door team has been able to resolve their issues.

    Meanwhile, work to improve people’s independence has seen a significant number of the people supported to make connections within their local area, meaning they are able to maintain their independence and get support from within their community, doing the things that are important to them, rather than having to rely on expensive long term care.  

    A focus on early support and connecting people to help and support at the first opportunity – sometimes while waiting for a formal assessment – has also helped prevent escalation of needs and therefore the requirement for long-term care.

    The council has also been working with West Midlands 5G (WM5G) and neighbouring authorities on a trial to show how Technology Enabled Care (TEC) can transform the lives of vulnerable residents in the city — empowering independence, improving wellbeing, and delivering value for public services.

    As part of the project, sensor devices and voice activated wireless technologies including fall detectors, smart speakers, smart doorbells and remote monitoring sensors are being used in people’s homes to help support individual care needs.

    Work is now underway to develop an outcomes based commissioning framework for residential and nursing placements, to ensure that people who require residential or nursing care receive support that will best meet their outcomes, rather than their needs being fitted to the support on offer.

    Councillor Brookfield added: “Already, the programme has delivered sustainable change and received positive feedback from staff and service users, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with IMPOWER as we continue our transformation journey.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor gains Senate seats in Victoria and Queensland, and surges to a national 55.6–44.4 two-party margin

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

    Buttons have been pressed to electronically distribute preferences for the Senate in Victoria, the ACT, Queensland and Western Australia. Labor gained a seat from the Liberals in Victoria, with the other two unchanged. I had a wrap of earlier button presses on Tuesday.

    Six of the 12 senators for each state and all four territory senators were up for election on May 3. Changes in state senate representation are measured against 2019, the last time these senators were up for election.

    Senators are elected by proportional representation in their jurisdictions with preferences. At a half-Senate election, with six senators in each state up for election, a quota is one-seventh of the vote, or 14.3%. For the territories, a quota is one-third or 33.3%.

    Labor has won three of the six Victorian senators, the Coalition two and the Greens one, a gain for Labor from the Coalition since 2019. That’s a 4–2 split from Victoria to the left.

    Final primary votes gave Labor 2.43 quotas, the Coalition 2.20, the Greens 0.87, One Nation 0.31, Legalise Cannabis 0.25, Trumpet of Patriots 0.18, Family First 0.13, Animal Justice 0.11 and Victorian Socialists 0.11.

    On the distribution of preferences, Labor’s third candidate defeated One Nation by 0.87 quotas to 0.81. Neither the third Liberal nor Legalise Cannabis were anywhere near One Nation at earlier exclusion points.

    On the exclusion of the Liberals, 50% of their preferences went to One Nation, 22% to Labor, 14% to Legalise Cannabis and the rest exhausted. At this point, One Nation led Labor by 0.73 quotas to 0.67 with 0.47 for Legalise Cannabis. On Legalise Cannabis’ exclusion, Labor won 42% of preferences, One Nation 19% and the rest exhausted, giving Labor its win.

    The third candidate on Labor’s Victorian Senate ticket was Michelle Ananda-Rajah, the former Labor member for Higgins before Higgins was abolished in a redistribution.

    Usually Labor only wins two Victorian senators with the Greens winning the third for the left. Ananda-Rajah would not have expected to be back in parliament, although in a different chamber.

    WA, Queensland and ACT Senate results

    The Western Australian Senate result is two Labor, two Liberals, one Green and one One Nation, a gain for One Nation from the Liberals. Final WA primary votes gave Labor 2.53 quotas, the Liberals 1.86, the Greens 0.90, One Nation 0.41, Legalise Cannabis 0.28, the Nationals 0.25 and Australian Christians 0.19.

    Until very late it had been expected that Labor would take the last seat instead of One Nation, but The Poll Bludger changed his model to give One Nation a slight lead owing to evidence of stronger Coalition flows to One Nation in other states.

    In Queensland, Labor won two seats, the Liberal National Party two, the Greens one and One Nation one. This was a gain for Labor from the LNP after Labor’s 2019 disaster, when they won just one Queensland senator.

    Final Queensland primary votes gave the LNP 2.17 quotas, Labor 2.13, the Greens 0.73, One Nation 0.50, Gerard Rennick 0.33, Trumpet of Patriots 0.26 and Legalise Cannabis 0.25.

    I will analyse the WA and Queensland preference distributions in a final Senate results wrap article that will be posted after the final state, New South Wales, has its button pressed. Labor is expected to gain a seat in NSW from the Coalition.

    Left-wing independent David Pocock and Labor were both re-elected in the ACT, with no change since 2022. Final primary votes were 1.17 quotas for Pocock, 0.95 Labor, 0.53 for the Liberals (just 17.8%) and 0.23 for the Greens. Labor crossed quota on the exclusion of second Pocock candidate with the Liberals and Greens still remaining.

    Labor’s national two party vote up to a 55.6–44.4 lead

    On May 5, two days after the election, I explained that we needed to wait for “non-classic” seats to have a special two-party count undertaken between the Labor and Coalition candidates. Non-classic seats are seats where the final two were not Labor and Coalition candidates.

    With the major party national primary votes so low at this election, 35 of the 150 House of Representatives seats were non-classics. Before the two-party counts in these seats started, The Poll Bludger’s national two-party estimate gave Labor a 54.6–45.4 margin and the ABC a 55.0–45.0 margin.

    This week the electoral commission has been counting the Labor vs Coalition two-party votes in the non-classic seats, and Labor currently leads by 55.6–44.4. The national two-party vote is still incomplete, but the large majority of non-classic seats have now had a two-party count undertaken.

    The remaining non-classic seats that are either uncounted or partially counted to two-party are favourable to the Coalition, so Labor will drop back a little, but will still win the national two party vote by about 55.4–44.6.

    Labor’s biggest wins on a Labor vs Coalition basis are seats where Labor and the Greens made the final two. For example in Wills, Labor defeated the Greens by 51.4–48.6, but the two-party count gives Labor a massive 80.9–19.1 win over the Liberals. Swings to Labor in non-classic seats have been bigger than swings in classic seats, so Labor’s two-party vote has increased.

    Labor’s big two-party win makes the pre-election polls look worse than they did on election night. Here’s the poll graph I was posting in all my pre-election articles updated with the estimated final two-party margin.

    Only one national poll was accurate: the Morgan poll published two weeks before the election that gave Labor a 55.5–44.5 lead. It’s a shame for Morgan that their final two polls “herded” back to a consensus that was wrong. I will have a full review of the federal polls once all results are finalised.

    Recounts in Bradfield and Goldstein

    A full recount is in progress in Liberal-held Bradfield, where the Liberal was ahead of Teal Nicolette Boele by eight votes after distribution of preferences. Four days into the recount, the Liberal leads by just five votes.

    A partial recount in Goldstein of the primary votes for Liberal Tim Wilson and Teal incumbent Zoe Daniel is also underway after Wilson led by 260 votes after distribution of preferences. Two days into this recount, Wilson leads by 259 votes and will win unless large errors are found that favour Daniel when corrected.

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

    – ref. Labor gains Senate seats in Victoria and Queensland, and surges to a national 55.6–44.4 two-party margin – https://theconversation.com/labor-gains-senate-seats-in-victoria-and-queensland-and-surges-to-a-national-55-6-44-4-two-party-margin-257714

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Mavenir Collaboration with Three UK and Red Hat Doubles Glasgow 5G Speeds in UK-First Open RAN Small Cells Roll-Out

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Mavenir Open vRAN and O-RAN compliant small cells central to success of Three UK’s Glasgow City Centre roll-out – boosting coverage and capacity across a high-demand, dense urban environment
    • Landmark trial demonstrates the benefit of deploying Open RAN small cells alongside existing macro networks to solve blackspot issues

    GLASGOW, Scotland, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider, working in collaboration with operator Three UK and the world’s leading provider of open source solutions, Red Hat, has successfully demonstrated the performance benefits of 5G non-standalone O-RAN compliant small cells in Glasgow City Centre – doubling 5G speeds at peak times.

    This milestone UK-first trial of Open RAN in a dense urban environment also marks the first live deployment of O-RAN compliant small cells working alongside legacy macro cells from traditional vendors in this environment – driving a significant reduction in traffic congestion by delivering high-quality coverage and additional capacity. During the initial phase of the trial, both 4G and 5G speeds doubled during the busiest times of the day, with Three UK’s 5G speeds reaching an impressive 520Mbps across the trial area. The capacity boost also cascaded into further performance and user experience improvements in surrounding sites.

    Following the successful trial of 18 live sites in Glasgow City Centre, the project will now move into its final deployment phase, bringing the total number of Open RAN small cell sites to 34.

    Mavenir’s roll-out of a small cell densification layer for Three UK is being delivered as part of the SCONDA (Small Cells O-RAN in Dense Areas) project – a key connectivity initiative backed by the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The project represents a significant step forward for Open RAN in the UK by trialing – for the first time – the integration of a full decentralized Open RAN architecture with existing traditional infrastructure into a high traffic, high footfall city setting.

    Mavenir is delivering a full 4G and 5G O-RAN solution, including its OpenBeam small cell radios running on Red Hat OpenShift, the industry’s leading hybrid cloud application platform powered by Kubernetes. Mavenir 4G and 5G small cell radios are being deployed on lamp posts across Glasgow to offload macro traffic and enable automation of network performance within a challenging multi-vendor, multi-technology radio environment. Three UK is leveraging Red Hat OpenShift to build and deliver the Open vRAN network, integrated into the existing 4G core of Three UK, and operating alongside the operator’s traditional RAN.

    Brandon Larson, SVP, Cloud and AI at Mavenir, said: “This network densification project proves that the Open RAN layer built by Mavenir can efficiently and effectively meet the needs of Three UK and its customers in one of the busiest cities in the UK. Our solution has delivered a 2x improvement in 5G speeds, a measurable uplift in capacity, and handover of customer traffic has been outstanding. This powerfully demonstrates that Open RAN can be fully integrated alongside traditional vendors – a breakthrough that will get the attention of radio network design teams around the world for the cost savings and flexibility it offers.”

    Iain Milligan, Chief Network Officer at Three UK said: “Mavenir and Red Hat have been exceptional partners on this groundbreaking project – the UK’s first Open RAN trial to tackle the real-world complexity of a dense urban environment. We have pushed the boundaries and proven that the Open RAN approach is a hugely valuable addition to network design and deployment.”

    He added: “Urban deployments bring a different level of technical and operational challenge compared to rural environments. We’ve had to navigate integration with legacy systems, security layers, and evolving software – all while delivering measurable improvements for customers. The trial results are encouraging and provide a strong foundation for further scaling and optimisation of Open RAN in cities.”

    Honoré LaBourdette, Vice President, Global Telco Ecosystem at Red Hat, said: “Red Hat and Mavenir share a commitment to delivering optimized Open RAN solutions for service providers to achieve improved network performance and unlock the next generation of 5G use cases. We are pleased to collaborate with Mavenir to implement an integrated 5G Standalone Open RAN solution, powered by Red Hat OpenShift, to help Three UK deliver enhanced customer experiences and streamline operations for the city of Glasgow.”

    With this latest deployment, Mavenir and Red Hat are continuing to offer carrier-grade telco cloud solutions to mobile network operators, leveraging a decade of well-established collaboration. Mavenir RAN workloads on Red Hat OpenShift offer an attractive value proposition for the mobile network operators.

    Key benefits delivered by Mavenir using Red Hat OpenShift include:

    • Full stack automation: Integration of Red Hat Advanced Cluster Management for Kubernetes with Mavenir’s Cloud-Native Automation provides full stack automation and streamlined day-1 and day-2 operational management.
    • Pre-integrated and pre-tested reference architectures: Red Hat and Mavenir help minimize complexity and reduce time spent on integration by providing a common, pre-integrated reference architecture.
    • Scalable design and faster time-to-market: Offering design flexibility to scale the architecture with Mavenir workloads on Red Hat OpenShift and leveraging additional tools for faster deployments.
    • Comprehensive Security Capabilities: Mavenir’s Open RAN solution on Red Hat OpenShift provides mobile networks with core platform security controls, including admission controllers, container isolation via Security Context Constraints (SCCs), runtime protection using kernel-level security modules (seccomp, SELinux), role-based access controls (RBAC) and network segmentation through CNI/OVN. These capabilities align with industry practices, enabling operators to implement hardened configurations for compliance objectives.

    Notes to editors

    The SCONDA project is a partnership with Three UK, Mavenir, AWTG, Freshwave, PI Works, the 5G Scotland Centre and Accenture, with the support of Glasgow City Council and funding from the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

    Three UK doubles Glasgow city centre speeds with UK-first Open RAN roll-out

    About Three UK:

    Hutchison 3G UK Limited, trading as Three UK, is a British telecommunications company based in Reading, England. It is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, a limited liability Cayman Islands company registered and listed in Hong Kong. Three is the fourth-largest mobile network operator in the United Kingdom, with about 10.9 million subscribers as of November 2024. For more information, please visit https://www.three.co.uk/

    About Mavenir:

    Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

    Red Hat, the Red Hat logo and OpenShift are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries.

    Mavenir PR Contact:
    Emmanuela Spiteri
    PR@mavenir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • Nepal takes game to new heights with T20 league

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Glamorgan all-rounder Dan Douthwaite was not alone among the foreign players in being unsure what to expect when he headed to the Himalayas to take part in the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) late last year.

    Taking up a playing contract in the mountainous nation of 30 million was always going to be a novel challenge for the Englishman, not least because the Twenty20 league was staged at a ground some 1,350 metres above sea level.

    “I thought I was going to be constantly out of breath or struggling, but it wasn’t actually as bad as I thought it was going to be,” the 28-year-old recalled of his time playing for the Kathmandu Gurkhas.

    “I think I noticed it more so with sixes. When they got the ball it absolutely went miles. A lot of balls … kept going and going and going.

    “When you think you’ve hit one straight up and it’s a 70-metre six.”

    Apart from the extra flight of the ball at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground near Kathmandu, Douthwaite’s other big takeaway from the experience was the enthusiasm of the Nepali fans.

    “Cricket in Nepal is probably like the Premier League in England … there’s a kind of almost Indian cricket feel about the way people appreciate and love the game,” he told Reuters.

    This was the third attempt by Nepal, which became an ICC associate member in 1996 and has qualified for the T20 World Cup twice, to follow in the path of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by launching its own Twenty20 league.

    The NPL hopes the passion of the fans, combined with the country’s unique geography and society, will carve out a niche in a landscape dominated by the likes of the IPL and Australia’s Big Bash League.

    “We’re rich in terms of nature,” said Sandesh Katwal, the chief executive of the Gurkhas, one of eight NPL franchises.

    “It’s a beautiful country and we’re a friendly, welcoming people. The weather, the hospitality suits international players.”

    Former England batting all-rounder and IPL veteran Ravi Bopara, who turned out for Chitwan Rhinos, said it was a great experience, even if he turned down the offer of a helicopter trip to Everest Base Camp.

    GROWING PAINS

    A modest budget meant the NPL could not attract the really big names in the sport.

    All eight NPL franchises fetched a combined price of under 169 million Nepali rupees ($1.23 million) at an auction held last September. Prize money for the champions, Janakpur Bolts, was around $81,000.

    By contrast, India’s Rishabh Pant, the highest-paid player in the IPL, commanded over $3 million in the league’s player auction for the 2025 edition.

    A rushed first season also made it difficult to recruit international players, Katwal said.

    “Everything happened within a one to two-month period … most international players were already occupied. Many didn’t know about this tournament,” he added.

    “Since Christmas was near, many overseas players were in a hurry to return. From the second season I think we can plan to start a bit earlier, October or November.”

    Nevertheless, the NPL proved to be an effective proving ground for Nepal’s domestic talent, Bopara said.

    “There was a group of players who were full of potential but lacked experience,” he added.

    Katwal said he hoped the NPL would provide that valuable competitive experience, as the IPL has done for young Indian talents.

    “It’s a dream come true for Nepali players … sharing practice sessions with the foreign players, they definitely learned a lot. We also had coaches from India, Sri Lanka, England and elsewhere,” he said.

    “Since the IPL has started, you can see young players getting opportunities and it has paid off. The NPL is also an opportunity for Nepali players, a starting point.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Burnie man on firearms charge

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Burnie man on firearms charge

    Thursday, 29 May 2025 – 2:15 pm.

    A 64-year-old man has been arrested and remanded in custody after the discovery of illicit drugs and a homemade gun at a Burnie residence.
    The arrest follows the search of a property in the suburb of Romaine on Monday, where Tasmania Police allege a quantity of illicit substances and a homemade firearm were located.
    The Burnie man was taken into custody and has since been remanded to appear in court at a later date.
    Police remain committed to targeting the possession and distribution of illicit substances and unlawful firearms in the community.
    Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or via the website at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Elders’ proposed acquisition of Delta raises concerns

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC has outlined its preliminary competition concerns with Elders Limited (Elders)’ (ASX:ELD) proposed acquisition of Delta Agribusiness (Delta) in a Statement of Issues published today.

    Elders and Delta supply rural merchandise such as agricultural chemicals, seed, fertiliser, animal health products and related services, such as agronomy services, through their retail networks. Both companies also supply rural merchandise to wholesale customers in Western Australia.

    “Competition in the supply of rural merchandise is critical to Australian farmers and our global competitiveness in agricultural products,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

    “We have preliminary concerns that the proposed acquisition may lead to higher prices or reduced quality in the supply of rural merchandise without an independent Delta competing with Elders following this proposed acquisition.”

    The ACCC is concerned that the proposed acquisition may reduce competition in the retail supply of rural merchandise in various local markets, and at a broader regional, state or national level.

    “Elders and Delta, through their networks of stores, are both significant retail suppliers of rural merchandise in Australia,” Mr Keogh said.

    The ACCC’s preliminary view is that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in the retail supply of rural merchandise in certain local markets in the North-West Victoria, Northern Wheatbelt (WA), Central Wheatbelt (WA), Great Southern (WA) and Murray-Mallee (SA) regions. The ACCC is also exploring potential concerns in other local markets where both Delta and Elders have a retail presence, and at a broader geographic level.

    “We are continuing to investigate how closely Elders and Delta retail stores compete with each other, and the extent to which larger retail chains and smaller retailers (or smaller chains) are likely to compete with Elders if the proposed acquisition were to proceed,” Mr Keogh said.

    “A key issue we are testing is the extent to which having a chain of retail stores assists Delta to compete with Elders more effectively than smaller retailers, both in individual local markets, and across a broader geographic area,” Mr Keogh said.

    The ACCC is also considering whether the proposed acquisition would reduce competition at the wholesale level in Western Australia, or whether alternative suppliers would be able to compete with Elders effectively, should it acquire Delta. 

    The ACCC has not reached a concluded view on any of the issues outlined.

    The ACCC invites submissions in response to the Statement of Issues by 12 June 2025. Parties can contact the ACCC via mergers@accc.gov.au.

    More information including the Statement of Issues is available on the ACCC’s public register here: Elders Limited – Delta Agribusiness.

    Notes to editors

    ‘Agronomy services’ refer to advice provided to farmers by qualified individuals known as agronomists with specialised knowledge in soil and plant sciences. It encompasses a range of advice and services aimed at optimising crop production and farm management.

    Rural merchandise is an umbrella term for agricultural products purchased by farmers as inputs into operating a farm and includes agricultural chemicals, seed, fertiliser, animal health products and other miscellaneous merchandise. Some rural merchandise stores also offer agronomic advice.

    Background

    Elders is an ASX-listed (ASX:ELD) agribusiness. It supplies rural merchandise through its 245 Elders-owned retail stores across the country and also supplies independent stores via its national wholesale business, Australian Independent Rural Retailers (AIRR). Elders also provides agronomic services, livestock and wool agency, real estate, financial, and feed and processing services across Australia.

    Delta is an Australian retail supplier of a range of rural merchandise products and related services. Delta operates 64 retail stores, primarily in regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, and also operates a wholesale business (Delta WA) in Western Australia. Delta also provides agronomic services, livestock agency, grain marketing, real estate and financial services.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Better investing in science and technology would free up 15 million hours of police time

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Additional investment in science and technology could mean an extra 41,000 hours of police time available every day across England and Wales to be reinvested in neighbourhood policing and preventing crime. 

    Police chiefs are calling for the government to allocate circa £220 million to science and technology per year over the three-year spending review period to scale up tested science and technology capabilities.  

    As police chiefs set out their strategy for use of data and digital technology over the next five years, they make the case for government investment to enable police to roll out   technology that has been successfully trialled across England and Wales. 

    The independent Policing Productivity Review of forces in England and Wales reported examples of science and technology driving productivity. The Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser to Policing estimates that these projects saved 347,656 of workforce hours per year and led to direct savings of £8.2 million a year in costs. If they were scaled nationally, and similar gains were made in all 43 forces, potentially up to 15 million hours, worth £370m per year, could be saved and reallocated each year. 

    National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said:  

    “A decade with very limited capital investment into policing has meant prioritising maintaining existing technology over innovation. The vast majority of police force technology budgets are spent on ageing systems and simply keeping the lights on. This has to change. 

    “Criminals are investing in technology to do harm; we need to invest to keep up and stop them.   

    “With government investment in the spending review, we are ready to roll out technology which could save millions of hours, finish investigations in days instead of months and keep pace with criminal advancements.   

    “Without investment, we will fall behind rather than become more productive.  We will not be able to restore neighbourhood policing.  Halving violence against women and girls and knife crime will become much harder to reach targets.” 

     A refreshed National Policing Digital Strategy 2025-2030 developed by NPCC, Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) working with Police Digital Service (PDS) has also been published today.  It sets out police digital and data ambitions and the roadmap to achieving them. This supports the NPCC’s Science and Technology Strategy published in May 2023. 

    National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Lead for Digital, Data and Technology Chief Constable Rob Carden, said: “Over the last decade, digital technology and data and analytics have become integral to policing’s ability to deliver an effective and efficient service and policing will spend nearly £2 billion on it in the next financial year. Policing must change the way we approach data, digital and technology to ensure we invest in solutions which can be used nationally across all police forces.  

    “The National Policing Digital Strategy will provide the direction, purpose and roadmap necessary for forces to enable the changes required. Working towards common goals, which can be upscaled at pace nationally to ensure we are making the savings in time and money in order to help our officers catch criminals and protect the public using data, digital and technology in the most effective way. 

    “One of our key ambitions is to give local communities more convenient ways to get in touch with their local force through improving things such as websites and apps, whilst developing a range self-service digital engagement channels that anyone is able to use and access. 

    “Transparency, fairness and ethical standards will be at the heart of all we implement.”

    Examples of investment: 

    • Roll out Live Face Recognition units.  On average, throughout 2024, there were 60 arrests per month across the three forces currently using Live Facial Recognition, of which a quarter involved registered sex offenders. Live Facial Recognition reduces the time spent on investigations, ultimately meaning swifter justice. 
       
    • Roll out Rapid Video Response –  a video call software that offers a discreet, quick and specialist police response to non-urgent reports of domestic abuse. Developed by Kent Police, it has led to a decrease in the average response time from 32 hours to just three minutes, and a 50% increase in arrests. 
       
    • Complete build of a new national digital forensics’ platform. Checking digital devices for evidence takes a lot of police time. A national digital forensics’ platform will help officers to process evidence on digital devices more quickly, return devices faster and make the process less intrusive for victims. This will help to address the current backlog of around 25,000 devices and keep pace with digital crime, which is growing 29 per cent annually.  
       
    • Enable the public to contact the police in the way that suits them best including adding services like AI-powered assistances and online case tracking, which in turn will reduce wait times for 101 or 999. 
       
    • Developing data and digital capability to catch offenders and protect victims.  This includes creation of a national Data and Analytics Office, which will lead improvements in data quality, compliance and sharing across the criminal justice system.  Continued investment in analytical capability will exploit this data, enabling, e.g. predictive tooling for multi-agency risk assessments and geo-spatial analyses to identify and address unsafe spaces. To date, this work has saved around £1m p.a. per force in productive time, by enabling efficient officer deployment, while early ANPR journey analysis has quadrupled drugs seizures.  
       
    • Funding a national Continuous Integrity Screening capability to provide ongoing detection of unacceptable behaviour from officers and staff and the removal of those who pose a risk. 
    • Expanding our regional centres for Robotic Process Automation.  In the three regions where it is deployed, automation is securing a return on investment of £8 in time saving for every £1 spent, covering 150 different administrative and crime management processes in relation to crime management and admin processes. Its national deployment will ultimately reduce administrative burden on frontline officers.  
    • Roll out nationally video and text redaction tools, automatic translation capabilities, summarisation tooling, and new deepfake detection capabilities.  Recent trials suggest these tools will offer significant time efficiencies and a better quality of service, with text redaction alone estimated to save around 1 million hours of workforce time, estimated at £16m a year.  
    • Fund the police service’s Aviation Pathway Programme will consider use of  Unmanned Arial Systems (i.e., drones). in investigations, surveillance and, to emergency response; improving service and reducing costs.  

    Latest research from the University of Birmingham and University Sheffield has demonstrated a clear link to increased economic growth and prosperity from investment in policing. Investment in policing, including technology investment, can lead to reduced demand on other parts of the public sector, level the playing field for companies who have to absorb the costs of crime, and reduce the need for the public to spend money as a consequence of crime. 

    For example the relationship between house prices and crime reduction shows that each £1 invested in policing yields £4.17 in economic benefits. Based on this, a 10% increase in policing i.e. around £1.7bn per year, will generate £14.5 billion in net benefits over twelve years, equivalent to 0.5% of annual GDP. Find out more in Issue 2 of Policing Tomorrow.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Police 101 Call Waits Drop as Forces Boost Transparency & Speed

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Contact Portfolio today (29 May) announces a significant step forward in policing transparency and efficiency: the publication of monthly 101 call wait time data. This initiative demonstrates the continued commitment of police forces across England and Wales to improving public contact, responsiveness, and service accessibility.

    Starting with figures for the financial year 2024/25, the data – published on Police.uk – will offer the public clearer insights into how long it takes to reach their local force via 101. The publication of these figures reflects years of dedicated efforts to modernise police contact systems, introduce technology-driven solutions, and provide greater accountability to the communities that police serve.

    Policing Efforts Cut 101 Call Wait Times to Just 32 Seconds 

    Significant advancements in contact management, including enhanced digital triage, AI-driven call routing, and smarter resourcing strategies, have led to a remarkable reduction in 101 call wait times across the country – now just 30 seconds.

    This achievement reflects the dedication of forces in adopting modern solutions and refining call-handling processes to ensure that members of the public receive swift assistance when they need it. Investments in intelligent queuing systems, workforce optimisation, and automated call-back technology have played a pivotal role in delivering these improvements.

    The NPCC Contact Management Portfolio remains committed to further refining these systems, driving innovation, and maintaining the highest standards in public service efficiency.

    T/DCC Catherine Akehurst is the outgoing NPCC Contact Management Lead and has led the development and implementation of this initiative. She said:

    “This marks a defining moment in how policing connects with the public. The journey to reach this point has been one of collaboration, dedication, and sheer determination by colleagues across forces who have worked tirelessly to modernise contact management.

    “From refining call-handling processes to integrating new technologies, every step has been guided by a commitment to ensuring that people who need assistance can access it efficiently. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed their expertise and passion to this project; it is their ingenuity and perseverance that have made this possible.”

    DCC Simon Megicks is the Digital Public Contact Lead and new NPCC Contact Management Lead. He added:

    “Publishing this data is not only about transparency – it is about progress. Police forces are now leveraging artificial intelligence, digital call-routing, and smarter triage systems to enhance contact management like never before. We are at the forefront of technological transformation in policing, ensuring that public interactions become more efficient, seamless, and responsive.

    “I want to thank T/DCC Catherine Akehurst and all those who have worked to bring us to this moment. Now, we move forward – continuing to evolve, innovate, and push the boundaries of what is possible in contact management. The future is bright, and this initiative is just the beginning of what’s to come.”

    “This new standard in transparency and data publication reinforces policing’s commitment to continuous improvement in service accessibility, responsiveness, and efficiency. As forces integrate smarter digital solutions and refine operational processes, the focus remains on providing reliable and responsive contact management for communities across the country.”

    Think Before You Call – Keep Emergency Lines Clear This Summer

    With summer approaching, police forces are preparing for a surge in calls. The warmer months bring an increase in demand, and it’s essential that emergency lines remain clear for those who truly need urgent help.

    999 is for emergencies only – serious crimes, threats to life, and situations requiring immediate police response. 101 should be used for genuine police matters, such as reporting non-urgent crime or seeking advice from your local force.

    Unfortunately, we receive a surprising number of unnecessary calls, which clog up the system and delay responses for those in real need. Some examples include complaints about fast-food orders, requests for lost remote controls, and even enquiries about celebrity gossip.

    Here are some unexpected examples of emergency calls that, in reality, were far from urgent:

    • Cambridgeshire Police received calls from individuals asking for assistance with homework and even placing requests for fast food.
    • Gloucestershire Police were dialled on 999 over a spilled cup of coffee and grievances about car wash employees.
    • Hertfordshire Constabulary had a caller seeking nothing more than a phone number for a taxi service.

    Police urge the public to pause and consider before calling – if the issue isn’t police-related, it could be taking time away from someone in distress. Let’s keep the lines open for those who truly need help and ensure our emergency services can focus on keeping communities safe.

    Many police forces now offer digital contact options, making it easier for people to get the help they need without picking up the phone.

    Police.uk provides a range of services to help people report crimes, seek support, and access policing information. Here are some key services available:

    • Reporting Crimes – You can report incidents such as theft, fraud, domestic abuse, hate crimes, and missing persons online.
    • Advice & Support – The site offers guidance on staying safe, dealing with crime, and understanding your rights.
    • Local Policing Information – Find out about crime rates, policing teams, and safety initiatives in your area.
    • Performance & Statistics – Access data on police effectiveness and crime trends across the UK.
    • StreetSafe – A tool that allows people to highlight areas where they feel unsafe, helping police improve public safety.

    The Police.UK app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store, makes reporting crime and accessing vital policing information easier than ever. Whether you want to track local crime trends, find practical safety advice for your home, or stay updated on your local police team’s activities, the app puts essential services at your fingertips. Any contact made through the app is handled by the same trained professionals who manage 101 calls, ensuring consistent and reliable support.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More support for neurodivergent children in mainstream schools

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    More support for neurodivergent children in mainstream schools

    Around 300,000 children across 1,200 primary schools to benefit from earlier and better neurodiversity support.

    Around 300,000 children, including those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, will be better supported to achieve and thrive as the government expands successful programme to help boost attendance and behaviour.

    Backed by £9.5 million in government funding, the Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme – which supports neurodiverse students by training teachers to identify and better meet their needs and improves parental engagement – will be extended for another year across a further 1,200 schools.

    One in seven children are estimated to be neurodiverse, and a lack of specialist training and awareness to support them means they often face bullying, higher rates of suspensions due to challenging behaviour, absence, and poor mental health.

    The positive impact of the PINs programme is already being seen in 1,600 primary schools which have previously taken part, with staff reporting increased attendance, improved behaviour, and better pupil wellbeing – which in turn benefits the entire school community.

    It ensures mainstream primary schools are more inclusive, enabling more children with SEN to thrive with their peers, meaning special schools can cater to those with the most complex needs – in line with the Government’s vision for a reformed SEND system as part of its Plan for Change.

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

    The impact on life chances when there is a lack of appropriate support for neurodivergent children can be devastating.

    We want a different future for children with SEND: inclusive and tailored to meet their needs, so everyone has the chance to achieve and thrive, and excellence is for every child.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we are determined to fix the broken SEND system and restore the trust of parents by ensuring schools have the tools to better identify and support children before issues escalate to crisis point.

    Some neurodivergent children are highly sensitive to loud noises or bright lights, leading to sensory overload which makes it difficult to learn, while others have difficulty understanding social cues or communication, leading to feelings of isolation.

    Others can find skills such as managing time difficult, impacting their ability to complete tasks, and some may experience hyperactivity or difficulties with emotional regulation, which make behaviour challenging. On top of this, some pupils ‘mask’, which can lead to increased anxiety and burnout.

    Through the PINS programme, specialist education and health professionals provide vital training to school staff to better identify conditions and access interventions tailored to their specific needs, and to better understand how to interact with neurodivergent children in a supportive way.

    Schools are also expected to host termly meetings with parents and carers, allowing them to feedback on the school’s approach to supporting children’s needs, increasing parental confidence.

    Carfield Primary School in Yorkshire received support from a speech and language team and occupational therapist through the PINS programme which helped teachers better identify and support children’s needs.

    They now open the school gates earlier and stagger their lunch time for pupils to ensure there is a calmer, more regulated school environment to avoid overstimulation. Plus, each child has a profile for teachers to understand their individualised needs.

    Parent at the school, Abi Olajide, said:

    My son was finding some aspects of school difficult and I felt isolated until I was invited to a parents’ forum which made me feel like I wasn’t alone and we were in it together. 

    We got the opportunity to encourage one another as parents and better learn how to support our children’s needs.  My son’s class teacher is marvellous and is always giving updates on how he’s getting on. Before PINs, I didn’t know what to do but now the school and parents are all linked up and work in partnership.

    My son has improved in reading and in his enjoyment of school and he is starting to have better relationships with his peers. I feel really grateful for PINs because of all the support my son is getting, and how well he is now doing at school.

    Bethan Arthur, SENCO and Deputy Head Teacher at the school, said:

    We have seen a massive improvement in the schools’ relationship with parents and a significant improvement in children’s attendance – from 93% to 95%, which has been supported by engaging with the PINS programme.

    Tom Cahill, National Director for learning disability and autism at NHS England, said:   

    It is fantastic news that thousands more neurodivergent children are to be better supported to thrive in mainstream primary schools. 

    I visited a PINS primary school and saw first hand how health professionals can support schools in meeting the needs of neurodivergent children – I heard from parents who appreciated the support without the need for diagnoses or waiting lists.  

    Effective partnerships between local NHS systems, local authorities, schools and parent carer forums allows schools to access specialist health professionals to provide advice and training. Strengthening relationships between schools and parent carers ultimately leads to improved children’s experiences at school and provides us with a blueprint for the future.

    Sarah Clarke and Jo Harrison, Directors and Co-Chairs of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums said:

    The PINS programme has been an inspiring initiative, bringing together educators, health professionals, and parents to ensure neurodivergent children receive the support they need in their local schools.

    Through close collaboration with families and Parent Carer Forums, the programme has strengthened communication and mutual understanding between schools and families, leading to reduced isolation for those with SEND and improved access to additional support services. This collective effort has created a powerful network of expertise dedicated to improving outcomes for all neurodivergent children.

    The Government established its Neurodivergence “Task and Finish Group”, led by Professor Karen Guldberg, which brings together a group of experts to drive understanding of how to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, in a way that works for neurodivergent children and young people.

    Professor Karen Guldberg, the Chair of the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group, said:

    I welcome the expansion of the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme. It focuses on strengthening the knowledge, understanding and skills of those who support neurodiverse children and young people in mainstream schools.

    It is an excellent example of strong partnership work between education, health and parent carers to meet the needs of neurodiverse children and young people.

    This comes as £740 million has been invested to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools, driving inclusivity and enabling more children to achieve and thrive at their local school.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government launches newly digitised historic editions of world’s oldest English language daily newspaper

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK Government launches newly digitised historic editions of world’s oldest English language daily newspaper

    From today (Thursday 29 May) copies from three centuries of the historic Belfast title will become accessible to the public online for the first time

    Secretary of State Hilary Benn views newly digitised historic editions of the News Letter during a visit to the British Library in London, accompanied by British Library Chief Executive Rebecca Lawrence and Richard Hall, DC Thomson Deputy Chair.

    • Belfast News Letter editions featuring key historical moments from the 18th-20th centuries now online, including the signing of the American Declaration of Independence.
    • Project delivers Safeguarding the Union command paper commitment.

    People around the world can now access newly digitised historic editions of the world’s oldest English language daily newspaper still in circulation, thanks to a UK Government project to highlight Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage.

    From today (Thursday 29 May) copies from three centuries of the historic Belfast title will become accessible to the public online for the first time, strengthening understanding of Northern Ireland’s newspaper heritage around the world and delivering on commitments made in the Safeguarding the Union command paper.

    First published in September 1737, the News Letter will mark its 288th anniversary as the oldest continuously published English language daily paper this year. The Northern Ireland Office has worked in partnership with the British Library and Findmypast to expand the online collection of the historic publication on the British Newspaper Archive dating to the late 18th, early 19th and 20th centuries. 

    Announcing the launch, Secretary of State Hilary Benn visited the British Library in London to view the new additions to the online archive. The British Library provided originals of the News Letter in microfilm and newspaper format, which were digitised by the online platform Findmypast, which has spent nearly 15 years working on a separate collaborative project to digitise the British Library’s vast newspaper collection.

    The Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, said:

    It was wonderful to be able to view the newly digitised editions of the Belfast News Letter at the British Library in London using the online archive.

    Bringing Northern Ireland’s newspaper heritage to a global audience will encourage research, exploration and appreciation of Northern Ireland’s rich political and cultural history.

    This UK Government project has opened up a unique resource to readers and researchers in nations around the world with historic links to Northern Ireland, including the USA.

    The archive is available online through the British Newspaper Archive and on Findmypast, and can be viewed freely at the British Library sites in London and Yorkshire, as well as at any library or by any private individual around the world with a subscription.

    Lee Wilkinson, Managing Director of DCThomson History, which owns Findmypast and the British Newspaper Archive, said:

    We’re delighted to bring these historic News Letter pages to the public, enabling more people to access this rich resource documenting Northern Ireland’s past at the click of a mouse.

    Over the past 15 years, through our unique relationship with the British Library, we have been able to bring millions of these key historical records to communities across the globe, so that families and researchers alike can uncover and understand their heritage.

    Rebecca Lawrence, Chief Executive of the British Library, said: 

    We are thrilled to make all known surviving copies of the News Letter accessible for the first time through the British Newspaper Archive, in partnership with Findmypast and the UK government. As the world’s oldest English language general daily newspaper still in circulation, the historic Belfast title offers insight into centuries of life, politics, and culture in Northern Ireland and beyond.

    The British Library is custodian of one of the world’s largest news archives, with over 60 million newspaper issues dating back to the 1600s, alongside growing collections of broadcast and digital news. Digitising all known surviving copies of the News Letter and making them available online preserves a vital piece of heritage and opens up the archive to researchers around the world.

    David Montgomery, founder, National World, said:

    Digitising The News Letter is an important step in preserving the paper’s iconic history of covering news from Northern Ireland and across the world for three centuries. By making historic copies of the paper available, we can recognise its continuing role in delivering quality journalism on stories that matter to its community.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Look after yourself as floodwaters recede

    Source:

    As floodwaters recede in New South Wales, look after yourself – both physically and emotionally. Floods increase the risk of infections, mosquito-borne illnesses, and food and water contamination. Finding medicines can be harder, and the mental health toll, significant. Support is available.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Gel blasters and replica firearm seized

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Gel blasters and replica firearm seized

    Tuesday, 27 May 2025 – 1:00 pm.

    A replica pistol, gel blasters and an electronic stun device disguised as a torch were among items seized by Tasmania Police during searches of properties in the state’s north and south this morning.
    A 35-year-old Hobart man has been interviewed by police and issued with a summons to appear in court at a later date, as part of the ongoing joint operation between Tasmania Police and Australian Border Force authorities.
    This morning, (Tuesday, May 27) police executed simultaneous searches at two Tasmanian properties – one in the Hobart suburb of Lenah Valley and another in Mowbray, Launceston.
    The operation involved members from the Tasmania Police Drugs and Firearms Units (Southern and Northern), the Police Dog Handling Unit, Australian Border Force and specialist resources.
    Following the search of the Lenah Valley property, police seized four gel blaster-type pistols, one metal replica pistol, one foldable gel blaster submachine gun and quantities of alleged controlled substances (steroids).
    At the Mowbray address, officers searched a shed on the property and seized three gel blaster firearms resembling pistols, an electronic stun device disguised as a torch (Taser), ammunition and various chemicals.
    Also seized at the Mowbray property were body armour, ballistic helmets, balaclavas and police-style patches and insignia.
    Police advise that in Tasmania, gel blasters are considered firearms under the Firearms Act 1996.
    To lawfully possess any firearm in Tasmania – including a gel blaster – a licence of the category which is appropriate to that firearm is required. This means that to possess a gel blaster, which is an air rifle, a Category A licence is required.
    To possess a gel blaster which is an air pistol, a Category H licence is required.
    A person needs a genuine reason to possess a gel blaster, in the same way that they need a genuine reason to possess any other firearm.For further firearms information, go to www.fas.police.tas.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police incident Royston Park

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are investigating an incident at Royston Park.

    At 2.45am Thursday 29 May police saw an incident occurring between a man and a woman on Payneham Road Royston Park.

    As a result, police attempted to arrest the man who was restrained.

    During his arrest he became unresponsive.

    SA Ambulance attended the scene, and the man was taken to hospital where he remains.

    Major Crime and Ethical and Professional Standards detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    The investigation is in the early stages and is ongoing.

    More information will be released later this morning.

    Any members of the public who witnessed or have footage of this incident are asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –