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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More scanners across the country for better care of brittle bones

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    More scanners across the country for better care of brittle bones

    Government announces 29,000 extra bone scans will be delivered each year, helping with earlier diagnosis of illness such as osteoporosis.

    • Government confirms 13 new state-of-the-art DEXA scanners to support better bone care  
    • Tens of thousands of patients set to benefit through extra scans 
    • Scanners are delivered as part of government commitment upheld in Plan for Change

    29,000 extra bone scans per year will be delivered for patients across England thanks to the government rolling out 13 new DEXA scanners. 

    The new scanners were promised as part of the government’s Elective Reform Plan and mark another step closer towards fixing the NHS and making it fit for the future, as set out in the Plan for Change.

    More than one in three women and one in five men will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime and so these scanners are equipped with advanced technology to identify with minute detail the quality of a patient’s bones.

    They will help with early diagnosis of illness such as osteoporosis, which weakens bones, making them so fragile that even a cough or sneeze could cause a painful break for people across the country.    

    13 areas will receive the new equipment this year, including hospitals in West Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire serving some of the most under resourced and rural communities, with patients already receiving invitations for appointments to use the new scanners. 

    Seven of the new machines will enable trusts to offer new or extended DEXA services, improving access and reducing patient journey times. Another six scanners will replace existing machines, helping to increase the reliability and productivity of bone diagnostic services.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

    Having seen the pain of a family member breaking a hip because of her osteoporosis, I know only too well how debilitating  a condition it can be.

    We know that early diagnosis of brittle bone conditions means faster treatment and better outcomes for patients, which is why I promised before the election that we would deliver an extra 15,000 scans a year. The investment the government is making in new scanners across the country will deliver an extra 29,000 scans a year, almost double what I promised.

    Our Plan for Change is cutting waiting lists by investing in our NHS, which is only possible because of the increase in employers’ national insurance.

     Sue Mann, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health at NHS England, said:

    This is a welcome targeted investment for the NHS Trusts across England set to receive these new scanners from this month – they measure tiny reductions in bone density that can help us diagnose osteoporosis in its early stages, before you break a bone.

    These scanners are key tools for prevention, particularly for some women who are known to be at higher risk of osteoporosis such as those who go through early menopause.

    Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said: 

    This investment in scanners is really good news for people with osteoporosis.  We want to thank Wes Streeting for ensuring bone scans are part of his package to modernise scanning technology so we can catch diseases like osteoporosis earlier. 

    This, and the recent good news on waiting lists, gives us confidence the NHS is beginning to turn a corner.

    Mr Haitham Hamoda, Trustee and Past Chair British Menopause Society said:

    This is very welcome news. Osteoporosis and related fractures is a significant public health issue. It is estimated that more than one in three women may sustain an osteoporosis related fracture with significant associated morbidity and mortality.

    In addition, women with premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause have a significantly increased risk of osteoporosis and related fractures. Increasing access and availability to bone density screening and assessment will improve detection and allow earlier discussion of preventative measure and treatment.

    Dr Katharine Halliday, President of the Royal College of Radiologists, said:

    We welcome the pledge for more DEXA scanners which will help to deliver better care for patients at risk of osteoporosis.

    Increasing capacity to deliver scans in the hospitals and regions that need it most will be an important step to make sure patients receive timely, effective care no matter where they live.

    Over three million appointments have already been delivered since the end of June 2024, smashing the government’s target of delivering 2 million extra operations, scans and appointments.  

    Background information:

    The following locations will receive new scanners:

    • Harefield Hospital (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust)

    • North Middlesex Hospital (North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust)

    • Newark Hospital (Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation NHS Trust)

    • Royal Victoria Infirmary (The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

    • CDC Ellesmere Port (Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation NHS Trust)

    • Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

    • Cranleigh Village Hospital (Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)

    The following locations will receive replacement scanners:

    • Leeds General Infirmary (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)

    • Wharfedale General Hospital (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)

    • Dewsbury Hospital (Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust)

    • Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital (Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust)

    • Salford Royal (Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust)

    • St Catherine’s Hospital (Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Applications open for 30 hours funded childcare expansion

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Applications open for 30 hours funded childcare expansion

    New data finds half a million children already benefitting from 15 hours extended childcare offer as applications open for tens of thousands more from today.

    Tens of thousands more working parents across England will soon see cash back in their pockets as they can now apply for 30 hours of funded childcare from September. 

    From today (12 May), all eligible working parents of children who will be 9 months old before 1 September can apply to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week, saving them up to £7,500 a year per child.  

    With savings from the government’s free breakfast club rollout and school uniform cap, this rises to up to £8,000 for working parents who also have school-aged children, every year. 

    This latest milestone follows the successful rollout of 15 funded hours for children from 9 months last September, with 499,592 children already benefitting from access to more affordable and high-quality early years education and childcare.  

    Despite the inherited delivery challenges, the government is committed to increasing access to childcare that gives every child the best start in life. That’s why through the Plan for Change it has already taken urgent action through hundreds of new school-based nurseries and a £2 billion extra investment compared to last year to support the brilliant existing providers deliver the 35,000 additional staff and 70,000 places required to meet demand for September. 

    A new government survey of parents who took up the childcare entitlements last September has found that the rollout is breaking down barriers to opportunity and playing a key role in supporting British business and kick-starting economic growth.  

    Lower-income families are seeing the biggest impact, with one in five of those earning £20,000 – £40,000 having increased their working hours thanks to the 15 hours brought in last year. 

    Looking ahead to this September, of the 2,723 respondents who are planning to increase their childcare hours, over half (1,425) are intending to up their work hours too – good news for families, and good news for employers. 

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    This government has a clear Plan for Change to break the unfair link between background and opportunity across this country, which starts by ensuring our children start school ready to learn.

    Early years is my number one priority, and making sure families are able to benefit from this rollout is a promise made, and promise kept. But this is just the beginning.

    Through the hard work of the sector, supported by our record investment, landmark school-based nursery rollout and focus on vital early learning support, we will deliver an early years system that gives every child the best start in life.

    The success of the rollout so far is testament to the work and commitment of nurseries, pre-schools and childminders, alongside local authorities, with 6123 of 6337 respondents who applied for government-funded hours last Autumn going on to secure a place.   

    Sophie Lovell, from Nottingham, uses the 15 hours for working parents for her little girl. She said:  

    The government’s childcare support has been great for our family. 

    Having my child in formal childcare has provided wonderful opportunities for her to play, learn, and grow.  

    As a parent, balancing everything can be overwhelming, but knowing your child is supported by trained professionals makes all the difference.

    The government has always been clear that early years is about even more than family finances. Access to high-quality early education and childcare helps children build confidence, learn social skills, and prepare for school, and 83% of parents in the government’s survey agree it is important for children’s social development. 

    With evidence showing the huge benefits of outdoor play to children from improved problem solving to mental and physical health, the government has also today launched a consultation on how it can help nurseries make better use of outdoor space for play and learning. 

    Currently, the government’s early years framework requires provision of outdoor play but only formally recognises indoor space in its requirements for how many children nurseries and childcare providers can take on at any one time. However, 7 in 10 providers say they would make better use of their outdoor space if more flexibility was introduced.   

    The consultation will seek to understand whether to allow providers to include high-quality, accessible and safe outdoor space in meeting those requirements, and the appropriate conditions to be put in place should they include gardens and play areas as a full part of the early learning experience for the youngest children. 

    Justine Roberts, Founder and CEO of Mumsnet, said: 

    We’ve heard from countless women on Mumsnet pushed out of work by unaffordable childcare. This expansion of support is a major step in tackling that – giving parents, especially mothers, the freedom to stay in work if they choose, which benefits families and the economy. 

    We urge all eligible parents to check what they’re entitled to and make full use of it.

    Director of Future of Work and Skills at CBI, Matthew Percival said: 

    It’s good to see the rollout of the final phase of the UK’s childcare expansion. The CBI made the case that expanding childcare support was good for growth because our members told us that the cost of it was preventing parents from working or taking on more hours.  

    Moving from 15 to 30 funded hours gives working families greater flexibility, helps employers access more of the talent they need to grow, and supports a more productive economy.

    Lydia Hopper CEO, Grandir UK said:  

    We are supportive of the inclusion of free-flow outdoor space within the EYFS space requirements.

    At Grandir UK, we’ve actively champion free-flow outdoor play – it’s a big part of how we support children’s learning and development. We draw inspiration from Forest School principles, helping children explore nature and learn through play in the fresh air.

    Whether it’s running, climbing, or simply being outside, we know how much this benefits their physical health, builds confidence, and boosts their overall wellbeing.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New NHS programme to reduce brain injury in childbirth 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New NHS programme to reduce brain injury in childbirth 

    Government to roll out the Avoiding Brain Injuries in Childbirth (ABC) programme nationally

    • Government rolls out NHS programme to boost maternity safety
    • Scheme will help maternity staff rapidly respond to emergencies and protect mothers and babies 
    • Hundreds of maternity staff, including obstetricians, midwives and anaesthetists, involved in developing and testing quality improvement programme

    Expectant mothers will receive safer maternity care as a new NHS programme to help prevent brain injury during childbirth is rolled out across the country. 

    The Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) programme will help maternity staff to better identify signs that the baby is in distress during labour so they can act quickly.

    It will also help staff respond more effectively to obstetric emergencies, such as where the baby’s head becomes lodged deep in the mother’s pelvis during a caesarean birth.

    The government programme, which will begin from September and follows an extensive development phase and pilot scheme, will reduce the number of avoidable brain injuries during childbirth – helping to prevent lifelong conditions like cerebral palsy.

    The national rollout is only one step the government is taking to improve maternity services under its Plan for Change to fix the health service, as it reforms the NHS to ensure all women receive safe, personalised and compassionate care.   

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 

    All expectant mothers giving birth in an NHS hospital should have peace of mind that they are in safe hands.

    This vital programme will give staff across the country the right tools and training to deliver better care to women and their babies, reducing the devastating impact of avoidable brain injury. 

    Under our Plan for Change, we are supporting trusts to make rapid improvements and training thousands more midwives – but I know more needs to be done. We will put women’s voices right at the heart of our reforms as we work to improve care.

    The national rollout follows a pilot in 12 maternity units that was launched in October and delivered by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the THIS (The Healthcare Improvement Studies) Institute.

    The pilot has shown the programme will fill an important gap in current training by bringing multidisciplinary teams together to work more collaboratively than ever before, to improve outcomes. The programme will give clinicians more confidence to take swift action managing an emergency during labour.  

    It is expected to reduce unacceptable inequalities in maternity outcomes across England – so that most maternity units achieve outcomes comparable to the highest-performing 20% of trusts. 

    This government is dedicated to improving maternity services more widely and is committed to training thousands more midwives, as well as setting an explicit target to close the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap.

    In addition, we have allocated an extra £57 million for Start for Life services, helping expectant and new mothers with their infants by providing expert, trusted advice and guidance around pregnancy, birth and motherhood.

    Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said:

    The ABC programme supports multidisciplinary maternity teams to deliver safer, more personalised care. Hundreds of maternity staff, including obstetricians, midwives and anaesthetists, have been involved in developing and testing this quality improvement programme.

    We have heard what a difference it makes, supporting teams to work effectively together in time-sensitive and high-pressure situations. The RCOG is extremely proud to have been part of this fantastic collaboration.

    Gill Walton, Royal College of Midwives Chief Executive, said:

    Every midwife, maternity support worker, obstetrician, anaesthetist and sonographer wants to provide good, safe care – and the best way to do that is by working and training together. The ABC programme has brought together all those involved in maternity care, offering practical solutions to some of the most acute clinical challenges.

    Crucially the ABC programme tools and training have been developed based on the voices of women, families and maternity staff. This has been the key to the success of the pilot programme.

    Equally the will and drive of midwives and the wider multidisciplinary team to improve safety and outcomes for women and their families has been evident across the course of the training at the pilot sites.

    The ABC programme has the potential to reduce the devastating impact of brain injuries during childbirth and the RCM is proud to have been part of this innovative programme and we hope to see this adopted and implemented across maternity services.

    Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, Director of The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute, said:

    The ABC programme design is based on the principle that evidence-based, co-designed patient-focused standardisation of clinical practice can reduce unwarranted variation and improve care and outcomes.

    Crucially, this needs to be supported by comprehensive improvement resources, including training, tools and assets to enable good clinical practice and teamwork and respectful and inclusion communication and decision-making with women and birth partners.

    The pilot has shown that it’s possible to train people effectively and efficiently. A national commitment to implement the programme at scale will be important in ensuring that the benefits are seen.

    Notes to editors 

    The following sites participated in the pilot scheme: 

    • Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 
    • East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust 
    • Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 
    • Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust 
    • Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 
    • Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 
    • Croydon Health Services NHS Trust 
    • Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 
    • St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    • Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
    • Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
    • Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media and Advocacy – BSA decision a warning to broadcasters to avoid Israeli propaganda narratives – PSA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    A decision by the Broadcasting Standards Authority to uphold a complaint against a 1News broadcast in November is a warning to the news media, says the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

     

    The Broadcasting Standards Authority has ruled that a TVNZ news item on violence in Amsterdam breached BSA rules.

     

    1News described violence in the streets of Amsterdam following a soccer match as ‘disturbing’ and ‘antisemitic’ and stated the graphic video of beatings were Maccabi Tel Aviv fans under attack just for being Jewish.

     

    Videographers who took the footage which 1News had used, complained to their news agencies that this description was quite wrong. The violence was perpetrated by the Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans against those they suspected of being Arab or supporters of Palestine.  The visiting Israelis were the attackers – not the victims.

     

    (Before the match these same Maccabi fans had gathered in large groups to chant “Death to Arabs” – a racist genocidal chant which if used with the races reversed (“Arabs” replaced by Jews”) would have been rightly condemned in purple prose by western news media such as TVNZ. But no such sympathy for Palestinians or Arabs)

     

    PSNA immediately requested that TVNZ broadcast a correction.  TVNZ refused, though admitting they had got the story wrong.

     

    PSNA then referred a complaint to the BSA who upheld the complaint as failing to meet the accuracy standard.

     

    PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says the BSA decision should be seen as a warning to the news media to be aware that Israel is using fabricated charges of antisemitism, to justify and divert attention from its genocide in Gaza and silence its critics.

     

    “Just because Benjamin Netanyahu and the then US president Joe Biden made statements turning Amsterdam attackers into victims, doesn’t mean TVNZ news should automatically parrot them,” Minto says. “That’s effectively what the BSA concluded.”

     

    Minto also points to what he called a recent fabricated hysteria about antisemitism in Sydney, which the New South Wales police found to be completely based on hoaxes by a criminal gang.

     

    “In the US, Trump is using the same charge as an excuse to close down university courses and expel anyone who protests against the Israeli genocide in Gaza.”

     

    “The Human Rights Commission here has also been guilty of publishing misinformation through the news media, which it refuses to publicly correct, probably because of its own fondness for Israel.”

     

    “Of course, we strongly condemn the real antisemitism of anti-Jewish, Nazi-type Islamophobic groups,” Minto says.  

     

    “It should be easy for professional reporters and editors to tell the difference between criticism of Israeli apartheid, ethnic cleansing and violence on one hand, and on the other hand Nazis and their fellow travellers who condemn Jews because they are Jews”

     

    “The BSA is, in effect, demanding the news media educate themselves.”

     

    John Minto

    Co-Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister unveils new plan to end years of uncontrolled migration

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Prime Minister unveils new plan to end years of uncontrolled migration

    The Prime Minister will today announce an end to Britain’s failed experiment in open borders that saw migration soar to one million a year by ensuring people coming here earn the right to stay in the country.

    • Migration system will back British workers, boost economic growth and control our borders under the Plan for Change
    • New contributions-based model will extend route to settlement from five to 10 years – with reductions for those who contribute to economy
    • New English language requirements across all immigration routes to promote integration

    The Prime Minister will today announce an end to Britain’s failed experiment in open borders that saw migration soar to one million a year by ensuring people coming here earn the right to stay in the country.

    Speaking at a press conference ahead of today’s (Monday 12 May) publication of the Immigration White Paper, the Prime Minister will say that living in this country is a privilege that must be earned.

    New immigration rules will reduce reliance on overseas recruitment, prioritise those who contribute to Britain’s economy and put more money in the pockets of working people, the first priority of our Plan for Change.

    The new system will end automatic settlement and citizenship for anyone living here for five years.

    Instead, migrants must spend a decade in the UK before applying to stay unless they can show a real and lasting contribution to the economy and society. 

    Under a new framework to be rolled out high-skilled, high-contributing individuals who play by the rules and contribute to the economy and society would be fast-tracked, such as nurses, doctors, engineers and AI leaders.

    The government will also raise English language requirements across every immigration route to ensure those wishing to live and work in the UK speak a higher standard of English.

    For the first time this will also extend to all adult dependents by requiring them to demonstrate a basic understanding of English – helping individuals integrate into their local community, find employment and reducing the risk of exploitation and abuse.

    The changes are part of the government’s Plan for Change to turn the page on over a decade of decline that saw Britain’s immigration system spiral out of control with record migration numbers, undermining the confidence of working people. 

    The Prime Minister will take a new common-sense approach, one that backs British workers over cheap overseas labour and links migration policy with skills to boost economic growth.

    The full package of radical reforms will be unveiled by the Home Secretary in Parliament later today and builds on action already taken by the government to restore order to the immigration system. More than 24,000 people with no right to be here have been returned since the election – the highest rate in 8 years – including a 16% increase in foreign national offender removals.

    In a press conference today the Prime Minister will announce his overhaul of the broken system, and is expected to say:

    For years we have had a system that encourages businesses to bring in lower paid workers, rather than invest in our young people.

    That is the Britain this broken system has created.

    Every area of the immigration system, including work, family and study, will be tightened up so we have more control. Enforcement will be tougher than ever and migration numbers will fall.

    We will create a system that is controlled, selective and fair.

    One that recognises those who genuinely contribute to Britain’s growth and society, while restoring common sense and control to our borders.

    This is a clean break from the past and will ensure settlement in this country is a privilege that must be earned, not a right.

    And when people come to our country, they should also commit to integration and to learning our language.

    Lower net migration, higher skills and backing British workers – that is what this White Paper will deliver.

    The Immigration White Paper comes after net migration reached nearly one million in the year ending June 2023 – four times the levels seen in 2019.

    Public services were stretched, housing costs soared, and employers swapped skills investment for cheap overseas labour. In sectors like engineering, apprenticeships almost halved while work visas doubled and communities were asked to absorb record numbers.

    Visas have already fallen by 40% since the government took power, but our new approach will go further and faster – reshaping the system around the needs of the economy and fairness for working people.

    There will be tougher rules on who can come to work, study or bring family. Every part of the system is being tightened. Backdoor routes to settlement will be closed, enforcement will be stepped up as we end abuse of the system.

    Britain will remain open to the best global talent – but the days of mass recruitment to plug avoidable skills gaps will end. New mechanisms will ensure employers wanting visas must show they are investing in British workers and raising skills in this country to boost economic growth. 

    We will support businesses to take on British workers through new industry workforce strategies, while introducing much tighter restrictions on recruitment for shortage occupations.

    The full package of policies in the Immigration White Paper will be published later today (Monday 12 May).

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Overseas recruitment for care workers to end

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Overseas recruitment for care workers to end

    International recruitment for care workers will end under plans announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. 

    The government’s Immigration White Paper, published in Parliament tomorrow, will include the change as the government takes action to bring down historically high levels of net migration.   

    Care workers from overseas have made a huge contribution to social care in the UK, but too many have been subject to shameful levels of abuse and exploitation.  

    Workers seeking to support the UK’s care sector arrived to find themselves saddled with debt, treated unfairly, or in extreme cases discover the jobs they were promised did not exist.   

    In March, the Home Office revealed over 470 care providers had had their licence to sponsor international staff suspended since 2022.

    Under plans to be outlined on Monday (12 May), the government will go further and put an end to any more overseas recruitment.

    The crackdown on rogue care providers has seen around 40,000 workers displaced, many of whom are ready to rejoin the workforce. They will be given the opportunity to do the jobs they were promised, while long-term plans are drawn up to train homegrown talent into the care sector.  

    International workers who are already sponsored to work legally in the sector will be able to continue to extend their stay, change sponsors and apply to settle, including those who need to switch employers following a sponsor licence revocation.

    This government is committed to tackling these issues and has committed to establishing Fair Pay Agreements which will empower worker, employer and other sector representatives to negotiate improvements in the terms of employment. This builds on the announcement in January of the expansion of the Care Workforce Pathway which will support the adult social care sector to professionalise the workforce.

    Together, these measures will move the UK away from a dependence on overseas workers to fulfil our care needs. Baroness Casey has also begun work on an independent commission into adult social care – a once in a generation opportunity to transcend party politics and build consensus on the future of the sector.

    The Immigration White Paper, published in full tomorrow, is part of government efforts to restore order, control and fairness to the system, bring down net migration and promote economic growth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour’s anti-migrant policies will hammer Scotland’s care sector

    Source: Scottish Greens

    11 May 2025 Health

    Labour’s cruel policies will harm the care sector and others.

    More in Health

    The plan announced by Labour Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to curb international visas for workers in the care sector and other vital parts of the economy will hammer Scotland’s services, say the Scottish Greens.

    The comments follow a series of harsh and restrictive announcements by the Home Secretary to crackdown on immigration.

    Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay said:

    “This is a cruel and totally self-defeating policy that will only serve to hammer Scotland’s services.

    “There have been warnings of staff shortages from the care sector and others, and these policies will only make them more severe.

    “It is extremely cynical politics. Nigel Farage just has to say ‘jump’ and Labour will ask how high. We cannot allow our immigration policy to be set by the far right priorities of Reform, and trying to imitate them won’t help anyone.

    “Labour has kept a lot of the most hostile anti-migrant Tory policies in place and doubled down on a failed Brexit that they know has hiked up prices, cost jobs and undermined our right to travel.

    “It is time for Scotland to have powers over immigration so that we can build a humane system that treats migrants as human beings and supports our services rather than harming them.

    “We can’t allow real people’s lives to be used as pawns in a nasty race to the bottom between Labour, the Tories and Reform.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Raging wildfires put Scotland on frontline of climate crisis

    Source: Scottish Greens

    11 May 2025 Rural Affairs

    We need climate action to stop wildfires being our new normal.

    More in Rural Affairs

    With extreme wildfires warnings across the country, and with fire crews battling a wildfire the size of five football pitches near Fauldhouse, Scotland’s communities are being put on the frontline of the climate crisis, say the Scottish Greens.

    Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess said:

    “We aren’t even in the height of our summer yet and we are already seeing our woodlands burning and warnings in place across much of the country.

    “We should all be grateful to the firefighters who are risking their lives and putting their safety on the line to protect us and our communities. It’s not just the immediate threats they face, but also the lifelong increased health risks from exposure to smoke and toxic substances.

    “We need to do everything we can to ensure that they are well supported and properly equipped for the growing threats that we face from increasing temperatures. Yet, in some parts of rural and island Scotland the fire service is facing a challenge to fill the crews, and some of their stations are in bad need of upgrade.

    “Some of these fires have raged for days at a time and have done a huge amount of damage to local livelihoods and habitats. But, most importantly, they have put people in serious danger.

    “Scotland is blessed with amazing and iconic landscapes that attract visitors from across the world. But they are also homes and places where people live and work, and, with our climate changing around us, they are being put at growing risk and thrust on to the frontline of the climate crisis.

    “It’s not just Scotland. We have seen heat waves and wildfires across the world and, without fundamental change, the threat will only become more severe. The situation is particularly urgent for people living in remote and rural communities who are often surrounded by tinderbox conditions.

    “All of this underlines the need for preventative steps to climate-proof our society and to step-up climate action if we are to ensure that the devastating scenes at Fauldhouse do not become our new normal.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Two Wells

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Two Wells.

    About 4.30pm today (Sunday 11 May), emergency services were called to Port Wakefield Highway after reports that a car and truck had collided.

    The driver of the car suffered serious injuries.

    Major Crash officers are on their way to the scene.

    Road restrictions are in place and please avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign criminals to face rapid deportation 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Foreign criminals to face rapid deportation 

    New reforms to deportation and removal rules will make it easier to remove foreign criminals committing crimes in the UK.

    New reforms to deportation and removal rules will make it easier to remove foreign criminals committing crimes in the UK, the Home Office will announce tomorrow.

    Currently the Home Office is only informed of foreign nationals given prison sentences and deportation arrangements focus predominantly on those sentenced to more than a year in prison.

    Under the new arrangements, the Home Office will be informed of all foreign nationals convicted of offences – not just those who receive prison sentences – and will be able to use wider removal powers on other crimes including swifter action to remove people who have recently arrived in the country but have already committed crimes. 

    The overhaul will make it easier to remove those who commit offences – including violence against women and girls, street and knife crimes – before the threat they pose escalates. 

    The reforms will be announced tomorrow as part of the government’s Immigration White Paper, which will radically reform Britain’s failed immigration system. 

    The Home Office will consider all offences, not just those that carry a 12-month custodial sentence, and strengthen powers to remove perpetrators of violence against women and girls. 

    Any foreign national placed on the Sex Offenders Register – regardless of sentence length – will be classed as having committed a ‘serious crime’ with no right to asylum protections in the UK. 

    Since July 2024, the Home Office has removed 3,594 foreign criminals from the UK – a 16% increase on the same period 12 months prior. 

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 

    It is a basic requirement – those who come to the UK should abide by our laws. The system for returning foreign criminals has been far too weak for too long. Already we have increased the number of foreign national offenders being removed since the election. But we need much higher standards. The rules need to be respected and enforced.  

    We need to restore control so that net migration comes down and proper standards and order are returned.

    As part of the White Paper, the government will also update refusal policies and immigration rules to mirror these changes. This means if a person commits an offence while on a short-term visa, they will be refused if they make a fresh application. 

    New measures will be explored to swiftly cancel visas to those who commit crimes, ensuring action is taken against offenders before they can put down roots in the UK. 

    Notes to editors

    • As part of the Government’s Plan for Change to have Safer Streets and Secure Borders, and efforts to digitise information flows, the Government will be working with partners across the criminal justice system to ensure data on convictions of migrants in the UK is shared swiftly so the necessary action can be taken.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dumped minister Ed Husic labels Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles ‘factional assassin’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Industry Minister Ed Husic, dumped from the frontbench ahead of Anthony Albanese’s announcement of his new ministry, has made an excoriating attack on Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, describing him as a “factional assassin”.

    Marles, chief of the Victorian right, in large part drove factional changes which saw Husic, from the New South Wales right, and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, from the Victorian right, pushed out of the lineup for the revamped ministry.

    In the shakeout, Marles’ numbers man, Sam Rae, will be elevated from the backbench to the ministry, despite having only been in parliament for a single term.

    Husic said on Sunday, “I think when people look at a deputy prime minister, they expect to see a statesman, not a factional assassin”.

    Asked on the ABC whether that meant he was saying Marles had put his own ambition to boost his numbers ahead of the good of the party, Husic said, “I think a lot of people would draw that conclusion”.

    “I think he needed to exercise leadership, he’s part of the leadership group. We’ve got to be able to manage these things in an orderly way.”

    “There will be a lot of questions put to Richard about his role, and that’s something that he will have to answer and account for.”

    Husic said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had called him on Saturday – it had been only a brief call – and they will meet on Monday. He looked forward to that being a constructive discussion about the role he could keep playing.

    Husic, the only Muslim in cabinet, in part blamed his outspokenness on Gaza for his demotion.

    “You can’t celebrate diversity and then expect it to sit in a corner, silent.

    “You need to speak up when you bring those different views to either a cabinet table or to a caucus.

    “I certainly took the view that you need to speak up to the communities that you care about. I certainly tried to help us navigate wretchedly difficult issues such as what we’re seeing has unfolded in Gaza post the horrors of October 7.

    “I don’t think I could ever stay silent in the face of innocent civilians being slaughtered in their tens of thousands and being starved out of Gaza.

    “So I tried to find the way to be able to speak at the cabinet table and speak elsewhere, to be able to make sure that communities we represent know that their voices are heard.

    “You should have the ability to speak up on the issues that you believe in. You should have the ability to question.

    “I would hate to think we get to a situation like Trump Republicans who know something’s wrong and and don’t speak. I’m not saying that’s the case here, but there’s a role, a value in questioning,” he said.

    Husic is reported to have clashed with Foreign Minister Penny Wong in cabinet over the Middle East issues. He also had differences with Treasurer Jim Chalmers on some economic issues.

    Husic said he would have liked Albanese to have intervened over his demotion but the PM had declined to get involved.

    He blamed Marles for putting Albanese into such a position. It was “especially disrespectful of the deputy prime minister to put the prime minister in a terrible place where he was being asked to intervene”. But if Albanese had exercised the great authority he had coming out of the election, “no one would have quibbled”.

    “We’ve obviously got to be able to avoid these type of episodes […] the factional grubbiness,” Husic said.

    Because of the factional numbers after the election, the NSW right was due to drop a minister. Husic said he chose not to push it to a factional vote to decide who went. “I did not want to put my colleagues through a national ballot.”

    Michelle Grattan 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. Dumped minister Ed Husic labels Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles ‘factional assassin’ – https://theconversation.com/dumped-minister-ed-husic-labels-deputy-prime-minister-richard-marles-factional-assassin-255962

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister’s cost of living guarantee

    Source: Scottish Government

    The Scottish Government’s cost of living guarantee will help to deliver vital support for the people of Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said.

    The Programme for Government 2025-26 commits to a range of measures which will help households in a challenging economic climate.

    The cost of living guarantee includes:

    • Lower income tax than in England for the majority of workers
    • Continuation of free prescriptions and free eye appointments
    • Free bus travel for 2.3 million people 
    • Scottish undergraduate students will continue to pay no tuition fees
    • Funded childcare hours, which would otherwise cost families more than £6,000 a year per eligible child.
    • Free school meals, which save the average family who take up the offer £400 per child per year, will be expanded, and more breakfast clubs introduced.
    • Winter fuel payments restored for Scottish pensioners in 2025-26 

    The Programme for Government also committed to scrapping peak rail fares for good from September.

    The First Minister said:

    “This Scottish Government will always do what it can to deliver the best deal for the people of Scotland.

    “Our cost of living guarantee is delivering real savings for hard-pressed households across the country and it goes further than any package offered in the rest of the UK.

    “These policies are already saving people money year on year, in the form of free prescriptions, free bus travel and more. This year we will go even further, funding the restoration of winter fuel payments for every pensioner in Scotland after they were abandoned by the UK Government. And from September, we will be scrapping peak rail fares for good – delivering a better deal for commuters.

    “I know that too many people are still struggling during the cost of living crisis and that is why my government is taking action to keep more money in people’s pockets during tough times.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Radical reforms to reduce migration

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Radical reforms to reduce migration

    Britain’s failed immigration system will be radically reformed so the system is controlled, managed and fair under a landmark White Paper.

    Britain’s failed immigration system will be radically reformed so the system is controlled, managed and fair under a landmark White Paper to be published tomorrow (Monday 12 May).  

    The government inherited a chaotic immigration system that saw net migration soar to record levels – driven by a huge increase in overseas recruitment since 2020.

    The government is now delivering on the priorities of working people to bring down numbers, restore control of Britain’s borders and make the system work for the economy.  

    The Immigration White Paper will deliver on its manifesto pledge to cut migration by training domestic workers, raising the bar on who can come to the UK and ending reliance on overseas labour.    

    It will establish tough new controls to restore order to a failed system that saw net migration almost quadruple to one million between 2019 and 2023.   

    New measures mean skills thresholds for work visas will be returned to degree level – reversing a system that saw the proportion of lower-skilled visas issued increase between 2021 and 2024.

    Meanwhile the government will end the chronic underinvestment in domestic skills that has hindered economic growth.   

    We will support businesses to take on British workers through new industry workforce strategies, while introducing much tighter restrictions on recruitment for shortage occupations.

    Employers will first need to develop domestic training plans to boost British skills and recruitment levels – increasing productivity and living standards for working people in the UK.

    So migration works for the whole UK, the country will remain open to the best of international talent – enhancing economic growth – while ensuring skilled work for migration purposes must truly mean skilled work.  

    The announcement follows major steps the government has already taken to crackdown on those exploiting the system and restoring order to the immigration system – ramping up removals to return 24,000 people with no right to be here since July 2024, the highest rate in eight years.

    But this government is going further. The White Paper establishes whole new approaches to migration across a range of areas – including work, study and family life – based on the principles of control, contribution and community cohesion.  

    It delivers on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change to reduce the staggeringly high levels of immigration and replace Britain’s failing approach with a new plan that supports national security, economic renewal and restoring the confidence of the public. 

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:   

    Migration must be properly controlled and managed so the system is fair. Instead, we’ve seen net migration quadruple in the space of just four years, driven especially by overseas recruitment.  

    We inherited a failed immigration system where the previous government replaced free movement with a free market experiment.

    Employers were given much greater freedom to recruit from abroad while action on training fell.

    Overseas recruitment soared at the same time as big increases in the number of people not working or in education here in the UK.

    The last government lost control of the immigration system and there was no proper plan to tackle skills shortages here at home.  

    This has undermined public confidence, distorted our labour market, and been really damaging for both our immigration system and our economy. 

    Under our Plan for Change, we are taking decisive action to restore control and order to the immigration system, raise domestic training and skills, and bring down net migration while promoting economic growth.”   

    Measures to be set out tomorrow include:   

    • Raising the skilled visa threshold to RQF6 (graduate level) to reduce increasing numbers of lower-skilled workers coming to the UK – with salary thresholds reflecting the higher skill level.  

    • For occupations below this level, access to the immigration system will be strictly time-limited, granted only on the basis of strong evidence of shortages which are critical to the industrial strategy and where workforce strategies are drawn up so employers also commit to increasing domestic skills and recruitment.  
    • Establishing the Labour Market Evidence Group (LMEG) to inform understanding of where sectors are overly reliant on overseas labour and reverse underinvestment in domestic skills. 

    For the first time it means that there will be a national approach to ensuring that action on skills, employer strategies and increasing UK workforce participation are the first response to labour market shortages rather than employers simply turning to immigration to fill gaps.

    Notes to editors

    • The Labour Market Evidence Group (LMEG) will be made up of the Industrial Strategy Council, Department of Work and Pensions, skills bodies and the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and make recommendations on where workforce strategies are needed.   
    • These reforms are just part of government action to restore order, control and fairness to the system, and the full Immigration White Paper will be published in Parliament tomorrow.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to conference press release about time-restricted eating and weight loss in overweight or obese adults

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A conference press release presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Malaga looks at time-restricted eating (TRE) and weight loss in obese adults. 

    Dr Adam Collins, Associate Professor of Nutrition, University of Surrey, said:

    “The finding that TRE protocols, whether early, late or self-selected eating windows, lead to weight loss, is consistent with other studies.  What is of interest here is that, strictly speaking, TRE protocols are not prescribed to reduce or restrict calories, just the eating window itself.  Yet inevitably, most people fail to squeeze all of what they used to eat daily into the new window; instead, they change their eating behaviour and end up eating less.  This may manifest as skipping whole meals, such as breakfast when abiding to late TRE windows.  Or omitting snacks and drinks (including alcohol), either between meals or later in the day/evening.  The latter may be significant in early time-restricted protocols.

    “The novelty of this new communicated study is in the follow-up of these participants after 12 months, with the observation that both early and late TRE groups managed to maintain their weight loss.  Interestingly, those who self-selected their window didn’t manage to keep the weight off as successfully.  It is possible that following the more regimented early and late TRE created more sustainable changes in eating behaviour and dietary habits, that remained after the intervention.

    “The originally published study was, I feel, robustly designed, with MRI-derived VAT as the primary outcome.  It is unclear in this follow-up a) how many (i.e. what proportion) of the original participants were measured at follow-up across the different intervention arms.  And b) what outcome measures were assessed (e.g. VAT).  This would be very important for context.

    “One general note of caution on TRE protocols is that altering the opportunities to eat, and potential for meal skipping, may compromise the nutritional adequacy of the diet.  This may be an issue for those whose diet was marginally nutritionally replete to start with.  To this end, we are midway through a study exploring the impact of TRE specifically on eating behaviour and nutritional adequacy of people’s diets.”

     

    Dr Maria Chondronikola, Principal Investigator and Lead for Human Nutrition, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, said:

    “The research study described in the press release explores the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on weight management, a topic that has attracted significant interest attention due to its potential health implications.

    “While the press release provides an overview of the main outcomes of the study, it does not offer sufficient information to fully evaluate the scientific rigor and methodology of this investigation.  This is not surprising given that the summary is intended for a broader audience.  However, this limits the ability to assess the scientific value of the study in detail.  Nevertheless, the findings outlined in the release appear reasonable within the context of existing literature.

    “The 3-month results showing a 3–4% weight loss in response to the different TRE groups align with previous studies in the field.  These results suggest that TRE may have modest effects on weight management.  However, the novel finding in this study is the observation that the early and late TRE groups (but not the TRE group with the self-selected eating window) experienced greater weight loss maintenance over time.  This is an interesting development and warrants further exploration, particularly in how TRE might help individuals sustain weight loss.

    “It is important to note that this study did not include a caloric restriction group, and therefore, its results cannot be directly compared to other weight loss strategies that involve intentional caloric restriction.

    “Furthermore, additional information on participant adherence to the prescribed eating windows is crucial.  Understanding how well participants adhered to the timing of their meals, the level of their caloric intake and whether TRE changed any obesity-related metabolic outcomes would provide valuable insight into the true effectiveness of TRE.

    “In conclusion, while the study’s findings are interesting, more detailed data on study design and compliance rates are needed to fully evaluate the results.”

     

    Prof Alexandra Johnstone, Theme Lead for Nutrition, Obesity and Disease, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, said:

    “Dr Alba Camacho-Cardenosa and colleagues have shared some preliminary comments on their research findings, which are to be presented to peers at an obesity-related conference.  With only the press release to refer to, this limits the scope of this commentary, and I am unable to comment on the robustness of the work.  For example, there are no statistics mentioned in the press release, and it is therefore rather vague to interpret the results.

    “I do, however, look forward to reading the paper when peer-reviewed, as there is a lot of interest in the role of chrono-nutrition and timing of eating as a dietary weight loss tool.  The team present interesting data that support a time-restricted eating approach, as a 16 hour fasting window (with 8 hours eating), with a 12 week intervention period and a one-year follow-up.  The TRE approach was useful to help participants maintain their weight loss.  Aside from looking at their reported percentage weight change, I am interested in how health parameters changed in response to the dietary approaches, and this information is not provided in the press release.

    “My own group already published work to show that timing of eating the largest meal of the day did not impact on weight loss (Cell Metabolism, https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/pdfExtended/S1550-4131(22)00344-8).  Thus, these data are in line of our current understanding.”

     

     

     

    Press release: ‘3-month programme of time-restricted eating at any time of the day supports long-term weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity’. Authors are Alba Camacho-Cardenosa et al.

    This was presented as a poster at the European Congress on Obesity. The embargo lifted at 23:01 UK time on Saturday 10th May 2025. 

    There is no paper.

     

     

    Declared interests

    Dr Adam Collins: “No conflict of interest to declare.”

    Dr Maria Chondronikola: “I am currently leading a intervention study on the effects of time restricted eating in cardiometabolic health: https://trestudy.org.uk/#:~:text=Dr.,in%20the%20UK%20and%20worldwide.”

    Prof Alexandra Johnstone: “My COI is that I hold voluntary committee roles for The Nutrition Society, Association for The Study of Obesity and British Nutrition Foundation.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal Car V Pedestrian Crash, Bass Highway, Travellers Rest

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Fatal Car V Pedestrian Crash, Bass Highway, Travellers Rest

    Sunday, 11 May 2025 – 6:37 am.

    At approximately 10pm on Saturday the 10th May 2025, a crash occurred on the Bass Highway at Travellers Rest with a West bound Mercedes Benz striking a pedestrian on the highway. The crash scene was attended to by emergency services however the pedestrian, a 28 year old male from Devonport, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
    The driver of the Mercedes Benz submitted to mandatory drug and alcohol testing following the crash.
    Numerous specialised police investigators and forensics attended the crash scene and are investigating the circumstances of the crash and death.
    Police are appealing for members of the public who observed a pedestrian on the highway at Travellers Rest prior to the crash or the manner of driving of the Mercedes Benz or who have relevant dash cam footage, to contact Northern Crash Investigation Services. Reference OR 774563.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on suspected targeted phishing attack on schools and early years network

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    All secondary schools were open today to allow students who had exams early next week to attend in person to obtain a new password.

    On Friday afternoon we noticed some unusual e-mail activity on our schools and early years IT network. As a precautionary measure we reset passwords across our schools and early years network – including those of our students. 

    All secondary schools were open today from 10.15am to 12noon to allow students who had exams early next week to attend in person to obtain a new password.

    Education, Children and Families Convener Councillor James Dalgleish said:

    “We saw approximately 2,500 young people attend their secondary schools to reset their passwords this morning – and I’m delighted that our dedicated school staff were on hand to support them and minimise the impact on their exam preparations.

    “My thanks once again to our colleagues for their quick thinking and vigilance – without which this could have been far worse – and for their work throughout the weekend to ensure the attack was contained and our networks remain secure and protected.

    “Close monitoring will continue over the coming days and we’re keeping the Scottish Government and Police Scotland up-to-date.  

    “I’d like to wish all of our students sitting exams in the coming days and weeks the very best of luck.”

    Background

    No data has been compromised.

    Published: May 10th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Provost pays tribute to Sir Tom Farmer

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The Lord Provost has paid tribute to Sir Tom Farmer as it is announced he died on Friday.

     The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:

    I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Sir Tom Farmer. Sir Tom was a recipient of the prestigious Edinburgh Award, a generous philanthropist, and a proud Scotsman whose influence touched communities far beyond his own.

    As the founder of Kwik Fit, Sir Tom revolutionised the automotive industry, yet his legacy stretches far beyond business. His love for Edinburgh and its people was perhaps best demonstrated in 1991 when he stepped in to rescue his beloved Hibernian Football Club.

    Sir Tom’s memory will live on in the City Chambers Quadrangle, where his handprints are immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to have known him.

    Published: May 10th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV slam Republican hate following VE Day event

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV Mid Ulster Chairman Glenn Moore:
    “On Wednesday evening, I was proud to attend and take part in the VE Day banner parade in Castledawson.
    “It was a dignified and fitting occasion to remember the sacrifices made for freedom and the victory over Nazi Germany and the tyranny it represented.
    “Regrettably, history reminds us that during the Second World War, the then Irish Free State remained neutral, maintained diplomatic ties with Fascist regimes, censored reports of the Holocaust, and even extended condolences upon the death of Adolf Hitler.
    “Sadly, that same spirit appears to linger today. Following Wednesday’s parade, several flags and bunting were torn down and destroyed—a disgraceful act of disrespect.
    “It seems that in Mid Ulster, unionists are increasingly treated as second-class citizens, with no right to celebrate our culture or commemorate our heroes.
    “This incident comes just weeks after the Chairman of Mid Ulster District Council was seen attending a commemoration parade for IRA terrorist Jim Lynagh.
    “What kind of society permits the glorification of terrorists while seeking to silence the remembrance of those who fought for freedom?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM remarks at press conference in Kyiv: 10 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM remarks at press conference in Kyiv: 10 May 2025

    The Prime Minister’s remarks at today’s press conference in Kyiv.

    Volodymyr, friends, it is a real pleasure to be here in Kyiv with you all. With Emmanuel, with Friedrich, and with Donald. 

    This is Europe, stepping up, showing our solidarity with Ukraine, and also showing during this week when we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day that we understand the lessons of history.

    The lesson that any veteran of Normandy, of North Africa or any other campaign will tell you but that Putin has not yet grasped:

    There is no glory in aggression and conquest – glory comes from fighting for your country, defending your people, and winning the peace. 

    And that is the message of this moment.

    Volodymyr, we stand with you to secure the just and lasting peace that Ukraine deserves. 

    It’s almost two months now since you agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. In that time Russia has launched some of the most deadly attacks on civilians of the entire war. Including here in Kyiv.

    Normal lives, homes, families destroyed.

    This is what Russia offers in place of peace along with delays and smokescreens – like the current 72 hour ceasefire.

    And so all of us here – together with the US – are calling Putin out.

    If he’s serious about peace then he has a chance to show it now – by extending the VE Day pause into a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire with negotiations to follow immediately, once a ceasefire is agreed.

    No more ifs and buts. No more conditions and delays. Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade. And he doesn’t need them now. 

    Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused.

    So we are clear – all five leaders here, all the leaders of the meeting we just had with the Coalition of the Willing – an unconditional ceasefire rejecting Putin’s conditions. And clear that if he turns his back on peace, we will respond. 

    Working with President Trump, with all our partners, we will ramp up sanctions and increase our military aid for Ukraine’s defence to pressure Russia back to the table. 

    And that’s what we have been discussing today – as well as securing Ukraine’s future for the longer term.

    Convening the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with partners joining virtually from around Europe and across the world – lining up to support Ukraine’s future strength and security, discussing operational plans and making concrete commitments of support across land, air and sea.

    We want to help Ukraine look to the future with confidence – so we’re working to boost Ukraine’s economy.

    And as a vital step, I’m pleased that UK experts have been on the ground leading work to support the resumption of flights into Ukraine, once a ceasefire is achieved. 

    It will take time – but this will be a huge moment in reconnecting Ukraine’s economy, boosting investor confidence, and helping to reunite families separated by this war. 

    Ukraine secure and thriving – that is what we all want to see.

    With our 100-year partnership, the Critical Minerals deal with the US, and our Coalition of the Willing, we are building the framework for peace in Ukraine to support a better future for the Ukrainian people.

    And to pledge once again, in our all interests, and on this anniversary, that aggression will never prevail on our continent.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Youths charged in relation to aggravated robbery at Prospect

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Youths charged in relation to aggravated robbery at Prospect

    Saturday, 10 May 2025 – 10:51 pm.

    Police have charged two youths in relation to an aggravated robbery at a shop at Prospect Marketplace yesterday (Friday).
    Police will allege that around 2.10pm, two youths entered the store and stole a quantity of money.
    During the incident, a man in the store sustained minor injuries when they reportedly attempted to restrain a youth.
    A 14-year-old from Invermay and a 16-year-old from Newstead have been charged with aggravated robbery and appeared before the Youth Justice Court today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: No place for the monarchy in modern Scotland

    Source: Scottish Greens

    10 May 2025 Scottish Independence

    The monarchy is a dated and undemocratic institution.

    More in Scottish Independence

    Maintaining the royal family is becoming increasingly unjustifiable, says the Scottish Greens Co-Leader, Patrick Harvie MSP.

    Mr Harvie’s calls for the monarchy to be abolished come ahead of a Republic Day protest in Edinburgh, where he will be speaking alongside his Green colleague Maggie Chapman and campaigners from across the political spectrum.

    The event, hosted by Our Republic, is held against the backdrop of increasing inequality in the country as many struggle with household bills, UK Government’s decision to cut social security for disabled people, and the axing of pensioner’s winter fuel payments.

    While the UK Government has struggled to stem the tide of the cost-of-living, the royal family has seen their wealth go from strength to strength in recent times.

    Several nations across the commonwealth are already reassessing their relationship with the crown and the Greens Co-Leader is making the case for Scotland to follow suit.

    Mr Harvie said:

    “There is no place in modern Scotland for the monarchy.

    “Our society is experiencing widespread inequality, with the cost of living crisis continuing to push many to the brink. However, it seems the royal family has never had it so good.

    “The taxpayer-funded sovereign grant rises year on year. They don’t pay capital gains tax, they don’t pay corporation tax and they’re exempt from stamp duty. They have received millions of pounds of income in rent from the NHS, schools and the armed forces for operating on the vast swathes of land that they own.

    “It is completely at odds with the struggles faced by some of our most vulnerable communities. We should not have a system that only benefits the super-rich, while leaving the rest of us to pick up the bill.

    “The monarchy is a profoundly outdated and undemocratic institution. We must have a serious conversation about the country we see ourselves as.

    “The idea that we should show this preference for one unaccountable family, who take far more from society than they give, is the exact opposite image of Scotland I would like to see. I believe we can do so much better for the people living in our country.

    “Scotland has the potential to be a modern independent democratic republic. It can be a greener and fairer country that redistributes the wealth hoarded by monarchy and the rest of the super-rich, and uses it to the benefit of the many people who are struggling.

    “Ultimately, it should be the people of Scotland who are sovereign and I will continue to make the case that with the powers of independence we can tackle the profound inequality that is highlighted by the lifestyle that the royals enjoy.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on India and Pakistan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on India and Pakistan

    G7 Foreign Ministers gave a statement on India and Pakistan

    Joint statement:

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan. Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides.

    We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome. We continue to monitor events closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tain Community survey to consider options for the future of the TRACC

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council is seeking views of the Tain Community on a range of options for the future of leisure services currently provided at the Tain Royal Academy Community Complex (TRACC).

    The TRACC facility is now 50 years old, and the building is reaching the end of its natural lifespan and would require substantial investment to continue operating in the future.

    An assessment has been made of potential options for the future of the TRACC building and five options are proposed for the local community to consider. A short survey has gone live today, and a series of engagement events are planned, to enable the views of the local community to be captured.  Members of the Tain community are encouraged to participate in the consultation process to ensure the views of the local community are understood which will assist in assessing the potential impact of each proposed option and support the decision making process for the future of TRACC.

    Currently there is no funding allocated in the Council’s capital programme for any of the five options contained within the survey.

    The new Tain Campus represents a £74m investment which will offer sports facilities that include a 4-court games hall, 2-court games hall, a dance studio, a full sized synthetic pitch, a full size grass pitch, a 7 aside synthetic pitch and 3 multi-use games areas.

    The TRACC facilities currently comprise of a 4-lane 20m swimming pool, fitness suite, 4-court games hall, two smaller sports halls, access to a full size synthetic pitch and two grass pitches.

    The survey is available here (https://www.highland.gov.uk/tracc) and the consultation will run for 12 weeks and close on 1 August 2025.

    9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During National Small Business Week, Ranking Member Markey Convenes Field Hearing, Releases Report Detailing Trump Assault on Small Businesses and the Clean Energy Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    REPORT: Pulling the Plug: How Trump’s Attacks on Clean Energy Could Turn out the Lights for Small Business
    Boston (May 9, 2025) – During National Small Business Week, Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today led a field hearing in Boston with Massachusetts clean energy leaders to examine the role that small businesses play in the clean energy economy, the importance of continuing federal investments that support the clean energy transition, and the impacts of tariffs from Trump’s chaotic trade war on small businesses.
    Ranking Member Markey also released a report titled “Pulling the Plug: How Trump’s Attacks on Clean Energy Could Turn out the Lights for Small Business,” which details how federal investments support clean energy small businesses, and how the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back federal clean energy investments, especially those created and expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will devastate small businesses in the clean energy economy.
    “Clean energy is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, and Massachusetts is leading the way,” said Ranking Member Markey. “In our state, the clean energy economy supports more than 100,000 direct jobs. Our clean energy transition isn’t just about mitigating the devastating impacts of the climate crisis—it is about building an economy with accessible, good-paying jobs, and it is about centering justice. I convened today’s field hearing with Massachusetts clean energy leaders and released my report because our path to a just, livable future for all runs through small businesses.”
    Key findings from Ranking Member Markey’s report include:
    Small businesses account for a significant portion of clean energy jobs in the United States, with 75 percent of energy efficiency workers employed by companies with 20 or fewer employees. 
    In Massachusetts, there are more than 100,000 direct clean energy jobs. More than half of the 7,300 clean energy businesses in the Commonwealth are small firms with 10 or fewer employees; more than 80 percent have fewer than 50 employees.
    The Trump administration is undercutting programs critical for small businesses, including freezing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding, and reinstating caps on Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loans which finance improvements that reduce small business energy costs.
    The April 2025 Trump Tariffs limit deployment of clean energy, including solar, driving up costs for small- and mid-sized installers and making it harder for them to compete.
    Thousands of rural businesses completed clean energy projects expecting reimbursement through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program, only to have their funding withheld.
    Firms surveyed in 2024 reported concerns they would lose business or be forced to close as a direct result of an IRA repeal.
    Repealing federal clean energy tax credits and funding could threaten or eliminate thousands of jobs and could cost the U.S. $160 billion in lost GDP.
    The Massachusetts clean energy leaders who joined Ranking Member Markey at today’s field hearing emphasized the importance of investing in small businesses and growing the clean energy economy.
    “With over 115,000 workers driving the growth of our clean energy sector, Massachusetts is proving that clean energy and economic growth go hand-in-hand. Small businesses are at the heart of this transformation—creating jobs, improving lives, and building a cleaner, more secure future,” said Dr. Emily Reichert, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. “By investing in small businesses and workforce development, we can ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in climate innovation and continues to offer meaningful opportunities for all of our residents.”
    “We are already witnessing significant solar project delays and cancelations as a result of the uncertainty brought on by talk of tariffs and the possible repeal of tax credits,” said Nick d’Arbeloff, President of the Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE). “If the [Investment Tax Credit] is, in fact, eliminated and the tariffs move ahead as planned, more than a few of our small business member companies have indicated they will be forced to significantly reduce their workforce or close their doors entirely.”
    “Franklin Cummings Tech prepares graduates for well-paying, in-demand jobs by aligning the skills we teach with the immediate needs of the job market and society. The Center for Energy Efficiency and the Trades (CEET) is a perfect example of this model in action, bringing a focus on sustainability and renewable energy across the college’s technical programs. Our efforts received a tremendous boost when Senator Markey and Senator Warren facilitated the $800,000 grant to Franklin Cummings Tech through the Department of Labor, bringing greater resources and structure to the CEET program,” said Dr. Aisha Francis, President and CEO of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.
    “Small businesses are the backbone of America’s clean energy transformation. For small businesses nationwide, consistent policy support is essential; without it, we risk stalling the remarkable progress we’ve made in building America’s clean energy future. At SparkCharge, we see firsthand how federal initiatives empower innovation, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth. Clear policies and stable federal support ensure that American small businesses can lead the world in clean energy solutions, strengthening both our local communities here in Massachusetts and the broader economy across the United States,” said Josh Aviv, Founder and CEO of SparkCharge.
    During National Small Business Week, Ranking Member Markey, along with members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Senate Democrats participated in several media opportunities to highlight the urgency of supporting U.S. small business owners and entrepreneurs in the face of Trump’s reckless tariff policies and continued chaos and cuts at the SBA.
    Yesterday, Ranking Member Markey held a virtual listening session with small business owners in Massachusetts and owners who serve the Commonwealth on the devastating impacts of the Trump Tariffs.
    Earlier this week, Ranking Member Markey, alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Small Business Liberation Act, legislation that would exempt the more than 34 million U.S. small businesses from the reckless Trump Tariffs that are wreaking havoc on their businesses and the U.S. economy.
    Ranking Member Markey recently wrote to Small Business Administrator Loeffler, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, calling on the Trump administration to exempt U.S. small businesses from the reckless Trump Tariffs and afford them the same relief that the administration is giving billion-dollar tech giants such as Apple and Google.
    Previously, Ranking Member Markey, along with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and all Democrats on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee wrote to Administrator Loeffler, urging her to take immediate action to address the impacts of Trump’s reckless tariff policies on small businesses.
    Ranking Member Markey has been speaking out against Trump attacks to federal clean energy and climate funding and programs during Trump’s first 100 days in office. In February 2025, Ranking Member Markey was denied a meeting with EPA Administrator Zeldin and DOGE representatives, where the lawmakers planned to ask why funding to critical EPA programs was unconstitutionally cut off to communities. In March 2025, Ranking Member Markey and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) led a letter to Administrator Lee Zeldin to cease its attempts to claw back nearly $20 billion in congressionally appropriated and legally obligated funding. In April 2025, Ranking Member Markey released a report, “The Trump Tariffs: A Small Business Crisis,” which details the disastrous impacts of Trump’s tariff policies on small businesses across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to conference poster about obesity drugs (GLP-1s) and alcohol intake

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A conference poster presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) looks at weight loss drugs (GLP-1s) and reduced alcohol intake. 

    Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, Open University, said:

    “Usually, when I’m asked to comment on a press release about a poster or talk being presented at a research conference, there’s not a lot that I can say about the quality of the work.  All I would typically have is a short press release, and a poster or a summary of talk that hasn’t been given yet.  The work wouldn’t have been through full peer review.  So there’s very little to go on, and usually a lot of unanswered questions.

    “But this one is different. This is not new work. The press release includes a link to the research report that was submitted to a journal in November last year, went through peer review, and appeared in the journal at the start of 2025.  The press release, and the conference poster that is also linked from the release, appear just to give some of the same details that are already in the published research report1.

    “The research report, the poster and the press release all mention that the study has some important limitations.  The study is observational and there was not a control group that received none of the drugs in question (liraglutide or semaglutide).  Thus we can’t be certain how much of the observed reduction in alcohol consumption is actually due to the drugs that the participants were taking.  Even though the average consumption reductions are pretty large, the participants were all being treated and all knew they were being treated with one or other of the drugs, and may have chosen to change their alcohol intake for reasons not caused by the drugs, in addition to any changes actually caused by taking the drugs.

    “The report does not present any data on what happened to alcohol consumption in the longer term, or after the participants stopped taking the drugs (if they did stop).  The alcohol consumption figures were reported by the participants themselves, so may not be accurate, and the level of inaccuracy in the before and after consumption figures may be different.  And a lot of the participants who started the study did not in the end provide data.  More than a quarter of the 262 patients who were originally in the study didn’t continue to the end of the study, and some who did continue were either non-drinkers or did not provide data on the actual amounts the consumed.  So the overall average change in consumption is based on data from 86 people only.  And the most dramatic reductions in consumption, in people who originally said they drank more than 10 units per week, are based on data from only 30 people.

    “These limitations are why the researchers (rightly) ask for larger, controlled and randomised trials, for research to investigate how these drugs operate in the body to reduce alcohol consumption (if indeed they do), and to look at which patients are appropriate for treatment.

    “However, this study is very far from the only work that has been done on drugs from this class (GLP-1 RAs) and reduction in alcohol consumption.  A quick Google search turns up many more.  The research report mentions a study in laboratory animals (reference 4) and there are other animal studies.  There have been observational studies, some of them involving large numbers of participants2.  There have been (small) randomised controlled trials3.  And there have recently been (at least) two review papers4.  This newly press-released conference poster certainly isn’t the latest state of the art, I’d say.”

     

    1 The report (a ‘research letter’) is at https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.16152 . There is a minor typo in the press release; it says that, overall, the average alcohol consumption fell from 11.3 to 4.3 units/week, whereas the research paper and the poster say it fell from 11.8 to 4.3 units/week.

    2 e.g. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48780-6

    3 e.g. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4789, comment on for SMC at https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-study-looking-at-once-weekly-semaglutide-in-adults-with-alcohol-use-disorder/

    4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102920 and https://doi.org/10.1210/endocr/bqaf028

     

    Mr Colin Angus, Professor of Alcohol Policy, Sheffield Addictions Research Group, University of Sheffield, said:

    “This study follows a few hundred patients attending an obesity clinic who were prescribed GLP-1 weight loss drugs and finds that they were drinking significantly less after around 4 months.  However, as this study has no control group, we have no way of knowing whether this reduction was related to their use of GLP-1, or a broader consequence of their efforts to tackle obesity.  Whilst it is plausible that GLP-1 drugs might have some impact on alcohol consumption, it is also likely that people trying to lose weight would reduce their alcohol consumption anyway, either as part of a more general move towards healthier behaviours, or because alcohol is relatively calorific.  So we have no way of knowing from this study what proportion, if any, of the observed reduction is down to the GLP-1 drugs.  Only with a higher quality study incorporating a control group could we have any confidence that GLP-1 drugs are leading people to reduce their alcohol intake.”

     

    Dr Stephen Burgess, Statistician at the MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, said:

    “This is an observational study investigating the impact of weight loss drugs on alcohol intake.  It isn’t a randomized trial, so it isn’t blinded, and there is no control group.  In general, this sort of research is vulnerable to problems of confounding – differences between alcohol intake pre- and post-treatment may occur for reasons other than a causal effect of weight loss drugs on alcohol consumption levels.  For example, it may be that people cut down on their drinking spontaneously due to taking medication.  However, the findings are striking and consistent across study participants.  No study participant reported their alcohol consumption was higher after treatment.  The average reduction in alcohol consumption pre- versus post-treatment was around 7 units per week, which is a large difference.  It is possible that some participants are falsely reporting lower consumption, and it’s possible that some participants who are drinking more post-treatment are refusing to volunteer information – we only have quantifiable alcohol consumption levels available for around 35% of eligible patients.  But the magnitude of difference in reported alcohol consumption pre- versus post-treatment is so large that it is implausible that other factors explain the totality of the difference.  These results provide suggestive evidence that weight loss drugs could be used to treat alcohol addiction.  We await evidence from randomized controlled trials with blinding to strengthen the evidence supporting this finding.”

     

     

     

    Poster title: ‘Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Analogs Reduce Alcohol Intake’ by FI Almohaileb et al.

    This was presented at the European Congress on Obesity. The embargo lifted at 3:01 UK time on Friday 9 May 2025

     

     

    Declared interests

    Prof Kevin McConway: “Previously a Trustee of the SMC and a member of its Advisory Committee.”

    Mr Colin Angus: “No conflicts to declare.”

    Dr Stephen Burgess: “I have previously consulted for Eli Lilly (one of the manufacturers of GLP-1 drugs), but not specifically about GLP-1 drugs.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested for endangering life

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man has been arrested following a pursuit through the south-western suburbs last night.

    About 8.30pm on Friday 9 May, patrols were called to Bonython Avenue at Novar Gardens after reports there was a man in the rear yard of a unit who was unknown to the residents.

    Police spotted the man behind the locked gate and told him to come out from the yard however he entered a vehicle and drove through the gate.

    The white Holden Commodore took off and as he headed out the driveway he swerved towards police who had to move to avoid being hit.

    The car then headed east towards Morphett Road and continued onto Mooringe Avenue and south on Marion Road where PolAir started tracking the car.

    The car was tracked by PolAir travelling without head lights and at high speeds to Lindsay Avenue where it was dumped in a shopping centre car park and the driver attempted to run from the area.

    Patrols located the driver a short distance away hiding behind skip bins and he was arrested.

    Police searched the vehicle where they located methamphetamine and item suspected to have been stolen.

    A 33-year-old man from Stockport was charged with acts to endanger life, dangerous driving to cause a police pursuit, driving at a speed dangerous, unlawfully on premises, driving disqualified and possessing a controlled drug.  He was refused police bail and will appear in court on Monday 12 May.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Targeted phishing attack on schools and early years network

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    This afternoon we noticed some unusual e-mail activity on our schools and early years IT network.

    As a precautionary measure we have reset passwords across our schools and early years network – including those of our learners and students. 

    We have issued communications to all parents/carers and schools to advise of the phishing attempt and explain the action that we have had to take to make sure our IT networks remain secure and protected.

    Schools and early years staff will be prompted to reset their own password on their return to school.

    Students currently sitting exams will be given priority support to reset their password. They can access their personal revision materials by going to their school tomorrow (Saturday 10 May) between 10.15am -12 noon and a member of staff will issue them with a new password.

    Study resources are also available on the information for parents/carers webpage on the Council’s website.

    Education, Children and Families Convener Councillor James Dalgleish said:

    This afternoon vigilant colleagues noticed some unusual and suspicious activity on our schools and early years IT network.

    As a result, we took the precautionary decision to immediately reset passwords for all users across our education service.

    We have contacted all parents, carers and schools to update them and explain the situation.

    I fully appreciate the impact this will have, particularly on those students preparing for their exams next week – but, unfortunately, we had no choice. This was a difficult but necessary decision to ensure our networks remain secure and protected.

    I want to reassure our students that they are our priority and that we are doing everything we can to make sure they can get back online as soon as possible. In the meantime, we are signposting them study support materials available elsewhere and individual schools will be uploading these to their websites too.

    We have created a dedicated webpage on the council website and will update this with further information as and when we get it.

    I’d like to thank colleagues for their vigilance and quick thinking today – and for their ongoing work over the weekend to minimise the impact on our students and their families.

    No data has been compromised. We have been in touch with SQA and EIS to make them aware of this attempted phishing incident.  We are also keeping Scottish Government’s cyber co-ordination centre updated.

    Published: May 9th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: European leaders set to travel to Kyiv as the US, France, Germany, Poland and the UK call for 30-day ceasefire

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    European leaders set to travel to Kyiv as the US, France, Germany, Poland and the UK call for 30-day ceasefire

    The leaders of France, Germany, Poland and the UK will be in Kyiv tomorrow as calls intensify for Russia to agree a ceasefire and come to the negotiating table.

    The leaders of France, Germany, Poland and the UK will be in Kyiv tomorrow as calls intensify for Russia to agree a ceasefire and come to the negotiating table.

    President Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to meet President Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Saturday morning, underlining their steadfast commitment to Ukraine.

    The historic visit, which is the first time the leaders of the four countries have travelled together to Ukraine – and Chancellor Merz’ first visit to Ukraine as Germany’s new Chancellor – comes as they and President Trump call for Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to allow for unfettered peace talks.

    In a joint statement, the leaders said:

    “We, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland the United Kingdom will stand in Kyiv in solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion.

    “We reiterate our backing for President Trump’s calls for a peace deal and call on Russia to stop obstructing efforts to secure an enduring peace.

    “Alongside the US, we call on Russia to agree a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace.

    “We are ready to support peace talks as soon as possible, to discuss technical implementation of the ceasefire, and prepare for a full peace deal. 

    “We are clear the bloodshed must end, Russia must stop its illegal invasion, and Ukraine must be able to prosper as a safe, secure and sovereign nation within its internationally recognised borders for generations to come.

    “We will continue to increase our support for Ukraine. Until Russia agrees to an enduring ceasefire, we will ratchet up pressure on Russia’s war machine.”

    During the visit, the leaders are expected pay their respects to the fallen defenders and casualties of Russia’s war on the Maidan, where flags are placed by Ukrainians to remember those killed.

    Later in the day, the leaders are expected to host a virtual meeting, alongside President Zelenskyy, to update leaders on the progress being made for a future coalition of an air, land, maritime and regeneration force that would help regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces after any peace deal and strengthen confidence in any future peace.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National and Malden Man Indicted for Distributing Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – Two men have been indicted for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine.

    Erick Sandoval-Perez, 43, a Guatemalan national living in Malden and Christhian Castillo, 32, also of Malden, were indicted for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine and distribution of 500 or more grams of cocaine.  Sandoval-Perez was also charged with distribution of cocaine. Castillo and Sandoval-Perez were charged by criminal complaint in February 2025. Castillo was ordered held pending further proceedings and Sandoval-Perez was released on conditions.

    Sandoval-Perez and Castillo allegedly worked together to sell cocaine on several occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer. On Feb. 12, 2025, Sandoval-Perez allegedly arranged to sell a kilogram of cocaine to an undercover. Castillo was arrested when he allegedly handed the kilogram of cocaine to the undercover and Sandoval-Perez was arrested nearby.  

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine, and the charge of distribution of 500 or more grams of cocaine, both carry a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The charge of distribution of cocaine carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sandoval-Perez is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.        

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Chief Ryan Malatos of the Leominster Police Department; and Chief Brian W. Coyne of the Clinton Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Malden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.  

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Støre  of Norway: 9 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM meeting with Prime Minister Støre  of Norway: 9 May 2025

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway this afternoon onboard a Norwegian coastguard vessel.

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway this afternoon onboard a Norwegian coastguard vessel. 

    The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Støre for hosting the Joint Expeditionary Force summit today. It was a vital forum to address evolving defence and security issues, the leaders agreed.

    Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to providing steadfast support to Ukraine and welcomed President Trump’s ongoing efforts to deliver a secure and lasting peace. 

    The leaders also discussed joint efforts between the UK and Norway to protect critical subsea infrastructure to safeguard economic security and working people at home. The Prime Minister updated on his visit to the Carrier Strike Group last month and thanked Prime Minister Støre for Norway’s vital contribution to the deployment. 

    Turning to the situation in Gaza, both agreed the situation on the ground was intolerable and more needed to be done to secure a lasting peace that delivered long-term security and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis. 

    The Prime Ministers also welcomed the signing of the Green Industrial Partnership by UK and Norwegian energy ministers earlier this week.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –