A pioneering programme to help support families in Stoke-on-Trent has helped more than 1,100 children in its first year.
A new report has made clear the positive effect of Family Matters, which launched in March last year.
The number of children in care has fallen by nearly 10 per cent during the programme’s lifetime, while the number of children needing child protection plans has also decreased.
The findings are contained in a council report assessing the impact of Family Matters and setting out how the scheme will transform more lives in the year ahead.
Family Matters is a partnership between the council, the NHS and the voluntary and community sector. It focuses on stepping in early – before problems reach crisis point – to make sure children have the best start in life.
The programme provides a full package of support through Family Hubs and targeted early intervention to help families stay safely together.
As a result, the report says that the number of children in care has fallen since last April thanks to the emphasis on building strong, supportive relationships within families.
Family Matters will now be expanded, with Family Hubs across the city, new stay-and-play activities, and access to out-of-school activities for every child.
Parents will have access to the help they need to get training and employment, and there will be readily available access to emotional support for secondary school children.
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Family Matters is a brilliant example of this city looking after its own and providing a vital safety net when people stumble in life.
“It has provided hundreds of families with the support they need to stay safely together, and to thrive.
“This is a real city partnership, and the voluntary and community sector have stepped up brilliantly to help deliver what we all want – a stable, secure, future for all our children.”
Independent inspectors, Ofsted, have rated York’s services for children and young people as Outstanding in all areas.
The inspectors reviewed four key areas of the council’s work including how it supports children who need help and protection: children in care, care leavers and leadership.
Each was rated as Outstanding following the inspection in February, leading to an overall rating of Outstanding. This puts York in the top seven per cent of local authorities’ children’s services in the country.
York Children’s Services were last inspected in 2022, when each of the areas inspected were rated as Requires Improvement.
York is the first local authority nationally to have moved from a rating below Good to Outstanding in all areas in a single inspection cycle.
The inspectors attributed the ‘relentless drive by senior leaders’ for the significant improvement in the standard and quality of children’s services, highlighting the council leadership’s aligned core values and strong commitment to children, young people and families.
They also recognised the council’s ambition and determination to provide outstanding services, creating an environment for improvement, based around putting children first.
The council’s commitment to recruiting and maintaining a stable workforce was also highlighted, noting that doing so created good experiences and progress for children.
Work to ensure that children’s views and feelings are central to decisions that are made for them was also praised, with inspectors recognising that children are supported to remain within their wider family networks where possible.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said: One of my key priorities since becoming Leader has been to work as a single leadership team of politicians and officers to help the council improve the services it delivers for residents.
“I’m delighted by this recognition and pay tribute to the leadership of Cllr Webb, Martin Kelly as Corporate Director and to the ongoing hard work of all Children’s Services staff. This judgment shows that everyone being aligned, with a shared commitment to do the best for children and young people in York, is resulting in improved services and I couldn’t be happier”.
Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: Supporting children and young people in York to live safe, healthy lives and to fulfil their potential is central to everything we do as a council.
“Our fantastic team in York is absolutely committed to achieving the best for every child, young person and family they’re working with and I’m delighted that the inspectors have recognised the exceptional quality of support they provide each and every day.
“Our relentless focus on putting children and young people at the heart of everything will continue, so we can ensure that York is a great place for all children and young people to grow up, now and in the future.”
Martin Kelly OBE, the council’s Corporate Director of Children and Young People, said: I’m immensely proud of our Children’s Services teams and the many colleagues across other parts of the council whose dedication and absolute commitment to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people and families in York have made this rating possible.
“Their resilience and desire to continually review, reflect and improve outcomes for the young people they’re working with is outstanding. I look forward to continuing to work with them, and our partners across the city, to support children, young people and families in York.”
Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Regulation and Social Care, said: Today’s inspection report highlights the determination of all those working across York to make a positive difference for children and their families. It is a rare achievement to move from a judgement of requires improvement to outstanding in all areas, and it was a pleasure to hear about the team’s successes. I was particularly pleased to read how they have created an environment for improvement that always puts children first.
“This inspection outcome is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work and commitment of York’s leadership team, their managers and frontline staff, as well as the wider council and safeguarding partners.”
The judgement places York with only ten other authorities in the country, all of which have achieved a rating of Outstanding in all areas for their Children’s Services.
Life below stairs at a historic Leeds mansion has been rediscovered thanks to a dazzling new display.
The Butler’s Pantry at Temple Newsam House has been carefully restored by experts, giving a fascinating insight into the stories of servants and staff whose tireless work behind the scenes kept the house going for hundreds of years.
Used as a workshop for the past half a century, renovation work in the room has uncovered a number of original features harking back to its heyday, including a traditional Yorkshire stone floor and a 19th century fireplace hidden behind an old radiator.
Paint samples were taken from the walls and meticulously analysed, and a wallpaper expert has even recreated wood grained paper from tiny scraps found in the room, returning it to its 1890s aesthetic.
The house’s remarkable collection of antique British silverware is also given centre stage in new showcases and in a refurbished plate safe, where it would have traditionally been stored before being polished and presented at lavish banquets and occasions. This replaces a former gallery display which lacked lift access.
The collection includes the breathtaking, ornate chinoiserie epergne crafted by Thomas Pitts in 1759 and once owned by Paris socialite and early 20th century fashion icon the Hon Mrs Daisy Fellowes.
Also part of the display is the astonishing Kirkleatham centrepiece, made in 1731 by noted silversmith Anne Tanqueray and her brother, David Willaume II.
The historic silver has been displayed alongside spectacular contemporary pieces by world-renowned makers Junko Mori and Hiroshi Suzuki.
Adam Toole, curator at Temple Newsam House, said: “The process of restoring the Butler’s Pantry to its former condition has been a real labour of love that’s given us such a fascinating insight into aspects of life at the house which are much less well known.
“It’s usually the illustrious aristocrats of Temple Newsam who are central to the house’s history, but the staff who lived and worked here were integral to keeping the house running for generations, taking care of its stunning silverware and in many ways making it the place it is today.
“Celebrating their story and finding out what life was like for staff here through the ages is a fitting celebration of the house’s heritage and great opportunity for visitors to step back in time.
“The restoration has also provided the opportunity to re-display our internationally important silver collection in new cases, allowing it to be much better appreciated by our visitors.”
One of the country’s finest examples of its kind, Temple Newsam House was a family home for much of its 500-year history.
At one time the house would have employed an army of cleaners, butlers, cooks and attendants as well as groundskeeping staff to take care of the sprawling estate.
Under public ownership, Temple Newsam has built one of the most significant decorative art collections in the UK.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Temple Newsam has played such an important part in the history and heritage of Leeds and the house has been the setting for some fascinating stories through the years.
“This fantastic restoration project means visitors will have a new opportunity to find out even more about life at the house and explore some enthralling elements of life at Temple Newsam.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire: 15 April 2025
The King has been pleased to appoint Professor Elizabeth Barnes, CBE, DL, as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Staffordshire.
The King has been pleased to appoint Professor Elizabeth Barnes, CBE, DL, as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Staffordshire on the retirement of Sir Ian Dudson, KCVO, CBE, on 15th July, 2025.
Liz Barnes (64) served as Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University for six years, overseeing a leap in its learning and teaching standards and championing social mobility.
Born and bred in the county, she is a Trustee of the Peter Coates Foundation, which aims to regenerate Stoke-on-Trent, and of the Aspire Trust, which provides social housing across Staffordshire.
Previously a teacher in Stoke-on-Trent, she has also co-chaired the Stoke-on-Trent Opportunity Area; been a Director of the Donna Louise Trust, providing end-of-life care across the county; and served on the board of the Local Enterprise Partnership and on the Stoke-on-Trent Children’s Services Improvement Board.
Professor Barnes lives in Abbots Bromley, near Rugeley, with her husband, Chris.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Reappointments and extension of members of Cafcass
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State has approved the extension of the tenure of Rohan Sivanandan as a member of the Board of Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass).
The Secretary of State has approved the extension of tenure of Rohan Sivanandan as a member of the Board of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) from 1 July to 31 December 2025.
Rohan Sivanandan
Rohan Sivanandan worked as an economist and senior executive in the private sector before moving into the education field. He has held a number of board, non-executive and trustee positions. Currently, he is: a non-executive director for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust where he chairs the Workforce and Education committee; a lay member of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel which provides advice to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care; an independent member of the Greater London Authority on Mayoral appointments; an investigation panel member for the Nursing and Midwifery Council and; a panel chair of NHS Mental Health Act hearings.
Rohan did not declare any political activity.
Cafcass is the statutory body that safeguards and promotes the welfare of children in Family Court proceedings.
Appointments to the Cafcass Board are made by the Secretary of State for Justice. Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
A sustainable solution for Sellafield’s surplus trains
A redundant Sellafield train has returned to the firm that rebuilt it 28 years ago.
A redundant Sellafield Ltd diesel locomotive
Sellafield’s hardworking locomotives star in the latest series of Great British Railway Journeys on BBC2, giving viewers a rare glimpse at one of the largest internal rail networks in the country.
Our rail system plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s energy needs and our clean-up mission, so as we transition to a more efficient fleet of electric locomotives we need to dispose of the older ones sustainably.
In the last 2 years we’ve donated redundant diesel locomotives to Chasewater Railway in Staffordshire and Eden Valley Railways in Warcop.
Most recently we sold a redundant locomotive to Brodie Engineering in Kilmarnock to use as a shunting engine.
This is a particularly satisfying solution, as Brodie Engineering was responsible for the original work to overhaul the locomotive for use at Sellafield almost 30 years ago.
Gareth Earle-Payne, engineering director at Brodie Engineering, said:
We are pleased to welcome back what we believe was one of the last locomotives to be rebuilt at our Caledonia Works site.
Following condition assessment and refurbishment, we hope to return it to service to support the ongoing work on our site.
Derby City Council and Notts and Derby are working to deliver an improved Link 2 bus service between the City Centre and Royal Derby Hospital, via Mickleover and Mackworth.
With the help of funding from the Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, improvements to the existing Link 2 service will see the service head into the city centre and back to the hospital via the A52 Ashbourne Road.
The service will also run every hour and complement hospital shift times, making it easier for staff to get to and from work.
The Council is carrying out an ongoing review of the city’s bus network as it works to make Derby a better connected, sustainable city, and enhance links to key destinations such as the Royal Derby Hospital.
These enhancements have been funded by the National Bus Strategy: Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which calls for Local Transport Authorities to deliver better bus services and implement measures to improve public transport. Derby’s BSIP can be viewed on the Derby City Council website.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:
As a Council we are committed to creating a greener, better-connected city. It is enhancements like this that give our communities better, more sustainable options.
As chair of the Enhanced Partnership Board, I’m glad we’ve been able to work with Notts and Derby to deliver the services our city needs.
Stuart Frost, Manager at Notts & Derby said:
We are really looking forward to be providing a reliable service to the residents of Mackworth and Mickelover to hopefully make there connections much easier.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Sussex cafe owner took £150,000 in Covid funds for dormant companies
He also attempted to strike-off one of the companies to avoid repaying the loan
Mehmet Akyuz fraudulently applied for three Bounce Back Loans for his organic food shop and cafe and leather import business
Akyuz secured £150,000 in funds when both companies were dormant and not trading
He was sentenced for fraud by false representation following Insolvency Service investigations
A Sussex cafe owner who took £150,000 in Covid support funds for two companies which were not trading at the start of the pandemic has been sentenced.
Mehmet Akyuz, 36, fraudulently obtained three maximum-value Bounce Back Loans worth £50,000 each in 2020 for his Green and Hove Limited and Leathers Wear Limited companies.
Both Green and Hove, trading as Organic Earth Cafe, and Leathers Wear, were dormant at the time of Akyuz’s applications.
Akyuz, of Conway Street, Brighton and Hove, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, when he appeared at Hove Crown Court on Monday 14 April.
He was also disqualified as a company director for five years and ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.
David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:
Mehmet Akyuz’s actions in fraudulently applying for three Bounce Back Loans he was not entitled to were completely unacceptable.
This was taxpayers’ money designed to support small businesses through the pandemic and should not have been exploited in such a cynical manner.
The Insolvency Service remains committed to investigating these cases and bringing fraudsters such as Akyuz to justice.
Green and Hove and Leathers Wear were incorporated in February and March 2019 with Akyuz as the sole director. The former was a retail food and grocery store with a cafe attached while the latter was described by Akyuz as an importer of leather goods such as bags and belts.
However, neither was trading at the time Akyuz made the fraudulent applications to the banks in the summer and autumn of 2020.
Akyuz fraudulently applied for the £50,000 loan on behalf of Green and Hove in August 2020, claiming the company’s turnover was £270,000.
This declaration was untrue, as Insolvency Service investigations found that the company filed dormant accounts in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Between September 2020 and January 2021, more than £36,000 of the loan was transferred directly to Akyuz. The remainder of the money was paid out in miscellaneous, one-off payments.
Akyuz committed further fraudulent offences in October 2020, when he applied to two separate banks for £50,000 Bounce Back Loans on behalf of Leathers Wear.
In the applications, Akyuz falsely declared that the company had a turnover of £215,000 and £225,000.
However, Leathers Wear also filed dormant accounts in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and was not trading when the application was made.
The funds were again transferred into Akyuz’s personal account and not used for business purposes.
Akyuz unsuccessfully applied to have Leathers Wear struck-off the Companies House register in June 2022 in an attempt to avoid repaying the loan.
The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Further information
Mehmet Akyuz is of Conway Street, Brighton and Hove. His date of birth is 1 February 1989
Leeds City Council is welcoming the announcement that it is set to receive £2.3million of funding to help more people find and maintain work.
The funding is administered through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the response to central government’s Get Britain Working reforms.
A report to the council’s Executive Board outlines the intention for the funding to be used to extend and enhance the already existing Leeds Employment Hub.
The hub and associated programmes will support around 1,400 Leeds residents who are either unemployed, economically inactive or in work at risk of losing their job as a result of a disability and or long-term health condition.
The Employment Hub has its own employment advisors based in the local communities and offer individual support and guidance to support people in finding work and learning opportunities.
As part of the scheme, the aim is to open up grants for application by voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations looking to help people into employment. Priority will be given to projects targeting young people, residents of deprived wards, care leavers, older workers with low skill levels or physically demanding jobs, individuals with caring responsibilities, lone parents, ex-offenders, and people experiencing homelessness.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We know that having a job or an apprenticeship can make huge difference to someone’s mental and physical health, and their life situation.
“Our Employment Hub delivers local support across all communities in Leeds. We welcome this funding to be able to extend the service and make it even better, with a focus on supporting people with health conditions gain meaningful employment and prevent people from falling out of work.
“This will help us reduce the number of people who are economically inactive, address inequalities and improve the lives of people in some of our most deprived areas.”
Some liabilities may be enforceable but not provable5 min read
In Forex Capital Trading Pty Ltd (in liq) v Invesus Group Ltd [2025] NSWCA 64, the New South Wales Court of Appeal has confirmed that a parent company agreement under a letter of comfort to pay ‘debts … incurred’ by its subsidiary does not apply to proofs of debt admitted in liquidation.
In this Insight, we look at the decision and what can be learned from it.
Key takeaways
The court’s decision is a useful reminder that the amount for which a proof of debt is admitted by a liquidator does not always correlate with the amount for which a company is liable—eg there are some liabilities that may be enforceable against the company but not provable in the liquidation.
It also highlights the importance of precise drafting. While letters of comfort will not always provide a legally enforceable obligation, liquidators should keenly examine their content before making a decision.
Background
Forex Capital Trading Pty Ltd (FXCT) operated a business providing a platform for the sale of derivatives and foreign currency exchange products. Invesus Group Limited (IGL) was its ultimate parent company. During the course of a proceeding brought by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission against FXCT, IGL executed a letter of comfort in favour of FXCT and its directors. The letter of comfort applied regarding ‘any debts, including judgment debts, incurred by FXCT … prior to or after the date of this letter in respect of FXCT’s customers’. In the aftermath of that proceeding, in which FXCT had agreed to a penalty of $20 million, it was voluntarily wound up. FXCT’s liquidators admitted proofs of debt submitted by former customers in the amount of $43,645,127.26, under a process approved by the Federal Court. The FXCT liquidators then commenced a proceeding against IGL for breach of the letter of comfort, to recover the amount owed to former customers.
The decisions
Supreme Court
At first instance, the primary judge determined that IGL was not liable under the terms of the letter of comfort to former customers for debts admitted by FXCT’s liquidators. The court found that when a liquidator admits a proof of debt, the liquidator ‘is not creating a new liability of the company in substitution for an existing liability’. It explained that the liquidators’ admissions could not meet the definition of ‘debts’ under the letter of comfort, as the admission of a proof of debt could not alter the company’s underlying liabilities, and could not bind IGL.
Court of Appeal
On appeal, Justice Mitchelmore, with whom Justices Kirk and Adamson agreed, upheld the primary judge’s decision that the admissions of proofs of debt by the liquidator did not create a claim under the letter of comfort. Her Honour noted that a liquidator’s role under the Corporations Act2001 (Cth) is to preside over the statutory scheme by which assets are distributed. By virtue of the winding up, creditors obtain a right to participate in the distribution but the process of administration of assets is not one by which rights against the company itself are obtained or enforced.
In coming to this decision, Justice Mitchelmore explained that:
The liquidator’s admission of proofs of debt of former customers did not affect the independent existence of those claims.
There was nothing in the letter of comfort that suggested IGL accepted it would be bound by the liquidator’s determination of claims by former customers.
Useful points
Again, the decision is a strong reminder that the amount for which a liquidator admits a proof of debt does not always correspond with the amount for which a company is liable, and also that precise drafting is crucial.
If you wish to discuss anything raised in this Insight, please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts.
SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary Academy showed assessors from the City of Sanctuary UK movement that they celebrate their diverse communities, and that the School of Sanctuary ethos of welcome, inclusion and safety for all, runs through all aspects of both schools.
Achieving the School of Sanctuary status is the culmination of dedicated and ongoing efforts to ensure that every child, staff member and family feels represented, included, and valued.
SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary is home to a vibrant and multicultural student body, with children who speak 29 different languages. In school, the focus on inclusion is deeply embedded within the curriculum and personal development programmes, ensuring that the diverse cultural backgrounds of students are celebrated and valued.
Principal Jenny Byrne said: “We are thrilled to be recognised for our dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, heard and encouraged in personal development.
“To be recognised as a school that truly welcomes everyone is not only a proud moment for us but also an important step in our ongoing mission. We are honoured to be part of a growing number of schools in Wolverhampton that are committed to ensuring all children, regardless of their background, are a valued part of our school community.”
Staff and pupils at St Teresa’s have also been working closely with City of Sanctuary advisors to achieve the award, inviting pupils to join its team of ‘young interpreters’ who are utilising their training to support children who need support speaking and reading English when they first join St Teresa’s.
And there is double cause for celebration at St Teresa’s, as the school has also undergone a successful assessment via the Catholic School Inspection framework (CSI). The report was published recently and highlights how ‘pupils at St Teresa’s are a credit to their families and the school. Their behaviour is exemplary’.
Inspectors also found that staff ‘work in a way that is always striving for excellence. This greatly benefits learners’, while they also noted the culture of welcome and ‘sanctuary’ ethos, commenting that ‘the level of pastoral care provided for pupils is outstanding. The school community shows care and understanding for a broad range of people in need locally, nationally, and globally.’
Principal Stacy McHale said: “Our small primary school has a big heart and I am delighted that this has been recognised recently. We are proud to be a beautifully diverse community with a strong culture of welcome.”
The two schools have joined a select group of educational institutions across the city that have achieved School of Sanctuary accreditation, further solidifying Wolverhampton’s reputation as a place of inclusion and sanctuary for all.
Other Schools of Sanctuary include Bantock Primary, Dunstall Hill Primary, Goldthorn Park Primary, Graiseley Primary, Rakegate Primary, St Andrews CofE Primary, St Lukes CofE Primary, St Regis CofE Academy, Stowlawn Primary, St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy, Villiers Primary, West Park Primary, Merridale Primary, Wodensfield Primary School, St Michael’s CE Primary School and Colton Hills Community School.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We are delighted that we now have 18 Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton, which are all demonstrating the lengths they go to ensure they provide a safe and welcoming place for their children and families.”
Schools can apply to become a School of Sanctuary by demonstrating to City of Sanctuary UK that they have implemented 3 key principles – learning and helping people understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary, embedding the concepts of safety, welcome and inclusive culture for everyone, and sharing their values and activities with their local communities.
The Schools of Sanctuary programme is part of the City of Sanctuary UK movement, committed to building a culture of safety and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. For more information, please visit Schools of Sanctuary.
Two men charged as part of investigation into disturbance at Howrah
Tuesday, 15 April 2025 – 5:13 pm.
Police have charged two men as part of an ongoing investigation into a disturbance at Howrah last night where a man sustained minor injuries. The disturbance allegedly involved people who were known to each other, and began in the carpark near the Woolworths Supermarket and continued to the Shell Service Station nearby. During the disturbance minor damage was caused to the building at the Shell Service Station. One person was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital with minor injuries. The police investigation is ongoing, and at this stage police have charged a 47-year-old man from Clarendon Vale and a 47-year-old man from Sandy Bay with assault. Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact South East CIB on 131 444 and quote OR 772311 and 772309. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
With the 2025 Bendigo Easter Festival starting this Friday, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their trip to and from the major event during the busy long weekend.
Road closures and detours will be in place in the city centre to facilitate the staging of Bendigo’s biggest homegrown community festival. Many of the road closures will be in effect from Wednesday April 16 to Monday April 21.
No unauthorised vehicles will be permitted within the Bendigo Easter Festival precinct/road closure areas during event times. These areas have been declared a temporary tow away zone.
Residents and visitors are strongly advised not to park or leave a car overnight in the tow away zone. Any unauthorised vehicle left in the road closure area during the event times will be towed to a location outside of the closure area if Victoria Police is unable to contact the owner to move the vehicle.
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said it was important for people to be aware in advance of the tow away zone and road closures.
“The road closures and the tow away zone across the festival precinct are necessary to meet the needs of staging Bendigo’s biggest community festival and accommodate thousands of people flocking to events and activities on foot,” Mr Myatt said.
“The City would like to take this opportunity to thank residents and local businesses for their understanding and patience while these temporary road closures are in place.
“I strongly encourage residents and visitors to plan your trip to the festival using the detailed information and updates on the Bendigo Easter Festival website and Facebook.
For festival information, including maps for road closures and accessibility, visit:
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Paul Lee appointed as new Chair of UK Endorsement Board
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds appoints Paul Lee to lead the UK Endorsement Board, replacing current Chair Pauline Wallace.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has today [15 April] appointed Paul Lee as the new Chair of the UK Endorsement Board (UKEB), replacing current Chair Pauline Wallace at the end of her term in September 2025.
The UKEB is the UK’s national standard setter for international accounting standards. It influences the development, and considers the adoption, of new or amended standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, part of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation.
Companies report using these standards to provide robust and comparable financial information.
The UKEB is committed to ensuring that the interests of the UK corporate reporters are effectively represented to ensure standards meet the needs of UK companies and investors.
Paul Lee brings extensive corporate reporting experience from his roles as Head of Stewardship and Sustainable Investment Strategy at Redington and Member of the Committee of Reference for the Premier Miton Ethical Fund. Paul is also currently a Non-Executive Member and one of the founding members of UKEB, bringing four years of UKEB experience to the Chair role.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
UKEB provide an invaluable service in scrutinising and adopting international accounting standards and representing our largest companies on an international stage.
Paul will bring strong leadership to UKEB as Chair and his extensive knowledge of corporate reporting standards as one of the Board’s founding members will be vital in driving growth in the sector and economy as part of our Plan for Change.
I would like to thank Pauline for her work over the past five years and look forward to continuing work with Paul.
Incoming Chair of the UK Endorsement Board, Paul Lee, said:
As an investor I understand the importance of international accounting standards and the role they play in supporting UK economic growth and inward investment. I also recognise the unnecessary burden that might be placed on companies if standards don’t achieve the right balance.
I was pleased to join the UKEB Board four years ago because I firmly believed that the organisation’s remit, to act as the voice of UK stakeholders in the development of comparable and proportionate standards that add value to the UK long-term public good, forms part of the core foundation of a strong and growing UK economy. I still believe that.
The UKEB has been robustly effective under Pauline’s thoughtful leadership, and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead the Board. I’m looking forward to getting started and deepening my work with our excellent Board and Secretariat.
There are economic challenges ahead, both in the UK and globally, and my focus, and that of the Board, will be on understanding, supporting and balancing the needs of all UK stakeholders as we navigate those challenges.
Clean energy projects prioritised for grid connections
Ofgem is expected to confirm the National Energy System Operator’s ambitious new plan to reform grid connections and unlock billions of investment.
Grid connections for businesses that will deliver clean energy prioritised, driving growth to put more money in working people’s pockets
Pro-growth reforms to help unlock £40 billion of mainly private investment a year in clean energy and infrastructure, with industries of the future such as data centres accelerated for quicker grid connections
Comes as £43.7 billion of private investment announced into the UK’s clean energy industries since July
So-called ‘zombie’ projects will no longer hold up the queue for connection to the electricity grid to prioritise businesses that will drive growth and deliver energy security.
Companies are currently waiting up to 15 years to be connected to the grid leaving promising businesses ‘grid-locked’, and over the last 5 years, the grid connection queue has grown tenfold.
The changes will help to kick-start the economy to put more money in working people’s pockets, the first priority of the government’s Plan for Change.
Ofgem is expected to confirm the ambitious new plan later today (Tuesday 15 April), drafted by the National Energy System Operator in partnership with the energy industry.
The reforms will help unlock £40 billion a year of mainly private investment, growing the economy, creating jobs and raising living standards as a key part of the government’s Plan for Change.
This builds on the latest figures showing that since July, the clean energy industry is now booming in Britain, with £43.7 billion of private investment being announced into the UK’s clean energy industries.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
Too many companies are facing gridlock because they cannot get the clean energy they need to drive growth and create jobs.
These changes will axe ‘zombie’ projects and cut the time it takes to get high growth firms online while also fast-tracking connections for companies delivering homegrown power and energy security through our Plan for Change.
In an uncertain world, our message to the global clean energy industry is clear; come and build it in Britain because we are a safe haven. If you want certainty, stability and security when it comes to your investments, choose Britain.
The plan comes after the Prime Minister has said that a new era of global insecurity means that the government must go further and faster reshaping the economy through the Plan for Change, and that this requires a new muscular industrial policy that supports British industry to forge ahead.
Lack of access to grid connections has been a significant factor holding back new investment in UK industries.
Under the new changes, industries of the future from data centres and AI, to wind and solar projects, will be accelerated for grid connections.
That means deprioritising those projects that are not ready or not aligned with strategic plans.
New commitments to investing in the UK have topped £38 billion since July 2024 for data centres alone, but grid access is the single biggest challenge facing these projects.
Today’s reforms will help fast track projects to generate homegrown, renewable electricity into homes and businesses, protecting British billpayers from the rollercoaster of global fossil fuel markets and building an energy system that can bring down bills for good.
Delivering these reforms will help unleash £40 billion a year of mainly private investment in homegrown clean power projects and infrastructure across the country, creating good jobs across the country including engineers, welders and construction workers.
By taking a strategic, planned approach the changes will remove the need for tens of billions of pounds of unnecessary grid reinforcement, saving billpayers £5 billion that would have been funded through charges on bills.
Ofgem CEO, Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive Officer, Ofgem said:
The proposed connection reforms will supercharge Great Britain’s clean power ambitions with a more targeted approach anticipated to unlock £40 billion a year of investment and energise economic growth.
The reforms would cut through red tape, consign ‘zombie projects’ to the past and accelerate homegrown renewable power and energy storage connections as we head to 2030.
Houses and hospitals, electric vehicle charging stations, data centres and the emerging AI sector, would also all benefit from the proposed streamlined fast-track approach, which would help boost energy security and drive down bills.
Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer, National Energy System Operator, said:
Reforming the connections process is a key enabler for delivering Clean Power by 2030 and will drive economic growth for Great Britain. Today’s milestone reflects the close collaboration across the energy industry with support from the government and Ofgem.
Together with the wider energy industry, NESO will focus on prioritising agreements for projects that are critical and shovel ready, bringing these to the front of the queue and giving developers the certainty they need to support investment decisions.
Notes to editors
Through the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the government is also bringing forward legislation to support Ofgem and NESO to deliver the reforms.
Every family and business in the country has paid the price of Britain’s dependence on foreign fossil fuel markets, which was starkly exposed when Putin invaded Ukraine and British energy customers were among the hardest hit in Western Europe, with bills reaching record heights.
The government’s clean power mission is the solution to this crisis; by sprinting to clean, homegrown energy, including renewables and nuclear, the UK can take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from fossil fuel price spikes with cleaner, affordable power.
The Clean Power Action Plan estimated that Clean Power 2030 could require around £40 billion of investment on average per year between 2025 to 2030. This includes around £30 billion of investment in generation assets per year, estimated by DESNZ, and around £10 billion of investment in electricity transmission network assets per year, estimated by NESO.
In addition to the £34.8 billion in clean energy private investment announcements secured around the October 2024 International Investment Summit the following private investments have been announced. This means that since July 2024 the government has seen £43.7 billion of private investment announced into the UK’s clean energy industries.
Importers, Customs brokers and Accredited persons operating under approved arrangement class 19.2.
What has changed?
From 16 April 2025, grain and horticulture phytosanitary certificates from the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will be received as electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto). This is an expansion for…
Mobile phone offence detections have reduced significantly since the introduction of South Australia’s mobile phone detection cameras, but repeat offenders still need to heed the message.
Officer in Charge of SAPOL’s Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Shane Johnson said mobile phone detection cameras have sent a clear message to drivers that those caught using a mobile phone illegally will be fined.
“The large reduction in offending is a positive result for road safety in South Australia,” Superintendent Johnson said.
Mobile Phone Detection Cameras were introduced in June 2024. In their first three months of operation, there were 64,454 warning letters sent to registered owners as a part of an expiation grace period.
“On 19 September 2024, police commenced enforcement and issued 28,120 expiations in the first three months,” Superintendent Johnson said.
“In the first six months to 18 March, a total of 46,476 expiations were sent to registered owners.
“The downward trend shows that mobile phone detection cameras have made drivers stop and think about their mobile phone use.”
Despite declining offences, police investigations into repeat offenders are underway.
“The number of repeat offenders has been disappointing, and police continue to investigate these offences. These drivers face a loss of licence and significant fines,” said Superintendent Johnson.
Minister for Police Stephen Mullighan MP said:
“These figures show the success of the mobile phone detection cameras is driving down mobile phone use behind the wheel at these key locations.
However it’s clear that there rate of use is still far too high and we have more work to do getting the message through to drivers to leave their phones alone while driving.
If you’re looking at your mobile phone, you’re essentially driving blind, and you’ll face the full force of the law.”
Across the mobile phone detection camera sites, six-month expiation data shows:
12,645 were detected at North South Motorway, Regency Park,
11,828 at South Road, Torrensville,
9,482 at Southern Expressway, Darlington,
8,470 at Port Road, Hindmarsh and
4,051 at Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross.
Repeat mobile phone offences numbers attributed to a single registered owner caught between September 19, 2024, and 18 March, 2025 were:
308 were issued with 4 expiation notices
119 were issued with 5 expiation notices
70 were issued with 6 expiation notices
44 were issued with 7 expiation notices
22 were issued with 8 expiation notices
14 were issued with 9 expiation notices
11 were issued with 10 expiation notices
3 were issued with 11 expiation notices
5 were issued with 12 expiation notices
3 were issued with 13 expiation notices
1 was issued with 14 expiation notices
3 were issued with 15 expiation notices
1 was issued with 16 expiation notices
1 was issued with 19 expiation notices
2 were issued with 20 expiation notices
1 was issued with 22 expiation notices
1 was issued with 25 expiation notices
1 was issued with 28 expiation notices
1 was issued with 41 expiation notices
Mobile phone detection cameras were introduced to five high-risk sites across metropolitan Adelaide in June 2024 accompanied by a three-month expiation grace period and a state-wide campaign that warned drivers about the new detection capability.
SA Police began issuing a penalty of $556 plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points from offences detected by mobile phone detection cameras from 19 September 2024.
Two additional camera locations are currently being considered and expected to be installed in early 2025.
Being distracted by a mobile for two seconds at 60 kilometres an hour means a driver travels 33 metres without their eyes on the road. A driver distracted for two seconds at 100 kilometres an hour means they will travel 55 metres without their eyes on the road.
Visit Think! Road Safety for further information about mobile phone detection cameras.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 15, 2025.
Social media is the new election battleground. Is embracing influencers smart, risky or both? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Grantham, Lecturer in Communication, Griffith University From Abbie Chatfield and Hannah Ferguson to Ozzy Man, influencers have never been more central to an Australian election campaign. Much has been made of the increasingly common site of politicians on TikTok or Instagram reels. Some political groups don’t
Trump’s tariffs rollercoaster is really about Republican unity Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney After announcing Liberation Day – stiff “retaliatory” tariffs on every country and penguin-inhabited island in the world – US President Donald Trump rescinded the vast majority of tariffs eight days later when stock and bond markets
Peters emphasises growing importance of NZ’s Pacific ties with the United States By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist in Hawai’i New Zealand’s Pacific connection with the United States is “more important than ever”, says Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters after rounding up the Hawai’i leg of his Pacific trip. Peters said common strategic interests of the US and New Zealand were underlined while in the state. “Our
Israeli military reservists court Australian universities amid ‘hypocrisy’ over anti-war protests Hundreds of university staff and students in Melbourne and Sydney called on their vice-chancellors to cancel pro-Israel events earlier this month, write Michael West Media’s Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon. SPECIAL REPORT: By Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon While Australia’s universities continue to repress pro-Palestine peace protests, they gave the green light to pro-Israel events
Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with 2 secretive new temples planned for Australia Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement
Winter electricity prices are rising – how do we know we’re getting value for money? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Meade, Adjunct Associate Professor, Griffith University, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University Shutterstock Winter is coming to New Zealand and Australia, and with it come those inevitably higher power bills from heating our homes. But even without that seasonal spike, household power
Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here’s 5 ideas Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major
New study finds no evidence technology causes ‘digital dementia’ in older people Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nikki-Anne Wilson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), UNSW Sydney RDNE Stock project/Pexels In the 21st century, digital technology has changed many aspects of our lives. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest newcomer, with chatbots and other AI tools changing how we learn and creating
Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here are 5 ideas Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major
Cutting migrant numbers won’t help housing – the real immigration problems not being tackled this election Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McDonald, Honorary Professor of Demography, Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne Immigration is shaping as one of the most potent policy issues of the election campaign. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a Coalition government would cut the two major migration programs – permanent
Focusing on a child’s strengths can transform assessments – and help them thrive after an ADHD or autism diagnosis Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Guastella, Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, University of Sydney Jota Buyinch Photo/Shutterstock When parents are concerned about their child’s development, they often seek an assessment to address concerns and identify any conditions, such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Australian honeybees are under attack by mites and beetles. Here’s how to keep your backyard hive safe Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cornelia Sattler, Research Fellow in Ecology & Videographer, Macquarie University Varroa mites on a male bee larva. Theotime Colin Australia’s honeybees are facing an exceptional crisis. The tiny but devastating foreign pest Varroa destructor is steadily spreading across the country. The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae),
Would looser lending rules help more people buy a house – or just put them at risk? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Grant, Associate Professor in Finance, University of Sydney doublelee/Shutterstock Big promises on housing were at the centre of both major parties’ announcements at the official federal election campaign launches on the weekend. Among the highlights, Labor pledged to build 100,000 new homes and extend a government-guaranteed
Why is it so hard for everyone to have a house in Australia? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Bilalnol/Shutterstock Home ownership in Australia was once regarded as proof of success in life. However, it remains elusive for many people today. Prices have soared beyond wage growth, rents keep rising, and even some well-intentioned government
Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with two secretive new temples planned for Australia Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement
Owners are officially no longer responsible for tourism accidents on their land – but they never really were Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Peace, Lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington EyesWideOpen/Getty Images Newly announced reforms to the Health and Safety at Work Act mean landowners will no longer be responsible for tourism-related injuries on their properties. But it’s not clear this
New Zealand’s humanity – does it include all of us, or only for some? COMMENTARY: By Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab “Wherever Palestinians have control is barbaric.” These were the words from New Zealand’s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow. During a meeting with Philippa Yasbek from Jewish Voices for Peace, Dr Rainbow allegedly told her that information from the NZ Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS) threat assessment asserted that Muslims were the
Leaked ‘working paper’ on New Caledonia’s political future sparks new concerns By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A leaked “working paper” on New Caledonia’s future political status is causing concern on the local stage and has prompted a “clarification” from the French government’s Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls. Details of the document, which was supposed to remain confidential, have been widely circulated online
Election Diary: Will Peter Dutton help son Harry buy a house? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Political leaders’ kids are routinely put on display to share the glory or the pain of election night. Earlier, they’re often at campaign launches to “humanise” the candidates. Peter Dutton pulled out all stops with the family for his Sunday
Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Case, Lecturer in Musicology, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir With Big Girls Don’t Cry, Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri playwright Dalara Williams proves herself to be a formidable talent. Cheryl (Williams), Queenie (Megan Wilding) and Lulu (Stephanie Somerville) are three best friends who share a
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Climate scientists comment on the ‘State of the Climate 2024’ report, published by Copernicus Climate Change Service and World Meteorological Organization.
Madeleine Thomson, Head of Climate Impacts & Adaptation at Wellcome, said:
“Europe is heating up, and we’re not prepared for the toll this will take on our health.”
“Deaths from heat stress are the most visible impact. But extreme heat doesn’t just kill—it also increases the risk of heart disease, pregnancy complications, and poor mental health. It also fuels indirect health threats like crop failures and wildfires.”
“We urgently need to cut emissions and adapt our cities. Simple changes, like adding green spaces and waterways, can help cool urban areas and protect public health.”
Dr Ben Clarke, Research Associate in Extreme Weather and Climate Change at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said:
“This report found that damage from storms and flooding across Europe in 2024 cost at least €18 billion.
“Every year, European countries are having to reach deeper into their pockets to respond to weather disasters.
“Storm Boris is a perfect example. Catastrophic impacts were avoided with days of preparation that saw reservoirs emptied and flood defenses erected. Even still, the floods caused upwards of €2 billion in damages.
“It is painfully clear that the cost of acting on climate change is far lower than the cost of inaction. Cutting emissions and investing in climate adaptation will save lives and protect economies.”
Dr Friederike Otto, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Environmental Policy and co-lead of World Weather Attribution, Imperial College London, said
“Think 1.3°C of warming is safe? This report lays bare the pain Europe’s population is already suffering from extreme weather.
“But we’re on track to experience 3°C by 2100. You only need to cast your mind back to the floods in Spain, the fires in Portugal, or the summer heatwaves last year to know how devastating this level of warming would be.
“In a volatile global economy, it is frankly insane to keep relying on imported fossil fuels – the main cause of climate change – when renewable energy offers a cheaper and cleaner alternative.
“The EU can’t afford to put its climate commitments on the backburner. It needs to lead the charge and accelerate the shift to evidence based politics, actually helping low-income people and not oligarchs”
Declared interests
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
Importers and their agents/representatives responsible with importing and booking biosecurity inspections of stockfeed consignments arriving bulk-in ship hold.
What has changed?
To support more efficient and consistent booking of inspection activities for bulk stockfeed consignments, the department has made the following enhancements to the Biosecurity Portal:
Sadly, police can confirm an 86-year-old man died yesterday in North West Tasmania. The man was involved in a crash on the Bass Highway at Devonport on 3 April. Following the crash the man was taken to hospital in a serious condition and has since passed away. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)
For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland April 14, 2025 202-808-6129
PRESS RELEASE
PLASKETT MEETS WITH VIRGIN ISLANDS PHYSICIANS AND LOCAL HOSPITAL BOARD ON STATE OF VI HEALTHCARE
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement:
“Last week, I and my office met with key stakeholders in our healthcare sector. Given the heightened concerns related to our hospitals in the Virgin Islands- including staffing shortages, supply deficits, and operational challenges, meeting with those responsible fr the hospitals was very relevant. On Thursday, we met with the Juan F. Luis Hospital physicians and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Regina Flippin, as well as the Schneider Regional Medical Center physicians and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. George Rosenberg, and on Sunday, I met with the Virgin Islands Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation Territorial Board Executive Committee (Corporation). I appreciate the responsiveness of the physician community and the Corporation, and value the respective, collaborative discussions.
“We discussed the difficulties that the Virgin Islands hospitals are presently facing, including the problems listed above, and we discussed long term funding gaps which continue to plague our healthcare system. There have been decades-long attempts to change multiple federal programs and funding formulas. During the Biden Administration, I was able, in legislation, to change the percent of Medicaid payment by the federal government from 55% to 83% and raise the Medicaid cap. Medicare payments for the Virgin Islands are calculated using the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA). Under TEFRA, the respective base years are 1982 for the Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC) and 1996 for the Governor Juan F. Louis Hospital (JFL). The base year reimbursement system, which relies upon an inflation adjustment, does not accurately capture the expenses of patient care services. I have introduced legislation for healthcare equity in each Congress and included in annual appropriations legislation language to urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to update the payment data and formulas for the hospitals in the Virgin Islands. Additionally, I have met with CMS leadership to urge the use of their administrative scope to assign a new base period, which is more representative of the reasonable and necessary cost of inpatient services.
“Additionally, during the calls we discussed Medicare and Medicaid payment systems that allow rural and geographically isolated hospitals an increased reimbursement rate. I have been a longstanding advocate to extend and permit Medicaid and Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments to U.S. territories. We also discussed during the meetings other programs and creative mechanisms to create larger funding for the hospitals, which we will pursue.
“We also discussed in our Sunday meeting the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center and the Morris De Castro Clinic on St. John and the vital support they provide to the community. I understand that the Request for Proposals for the construction contracts for both centers are now closed, and I am hopeful that they are reconstructed in short order, to ensure that providers and community members on St. John have the necessary infrastructure for their healthcare spaces.
“My office is committed to working with everyone in the Virgin Islands healthcare space to ensure that our providers and community have the necessary support to ensure both short- and long-term stability. I am grateful for the commitment and passion of our doctors and healthcare professionals. They have made a lifetime commitment to our community, and I respect their dedication to their patients. I was also happy for the transparency of the hospital Board in discussing their ongoing work to stabilize and create positive change in the hospital. The hospitals provide essential care to everyone in the Virgin Islands, and I will collaborate with the federal and local government to protect our healthcare system.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Government secures raw materials to save British Steel
The Government has secured raw materials needed to save British Steel.
The Business Secretary pushes ahead with efforts to safeguard British Steel. Today [Tuesday 15 April] he will travel up to Immingham as the raw materials that have been waiting in the dock are unloaded and transported to the site, following the government settling payment for them.
The materials – which have arrived from the US – are enough to keep the blast furnaces running for the coming weeks, with officials continuing to work at pace to get a steady pipeline of materials to keep the fire burning.
A separate ship which contains yet more coking coal is on the way to the UK from Australia. This cargo was the subject of a legal dispute between British Steel and Jingye over the weekend that has now been resolved. The materials have been paid for using existing DBT budgets.
New legislation passed last weekend, in an unprecedented move, gives Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnaces running. It also permits the Government to do these things itself if needed. The government acted to protect 37,000 jobs in supply chains and ensure we can build the infrastructure needed to deliver growth which is fundamental to the Plan for Change.
On Monday, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the appointment of Allan Bell as interim Chief Executive Officer, and Lisa Coulson as interim Chief Commercial Officer, both with immediate effect – ensuring the right expertise is in place to keep the site running smoothly.
After intensive work over the weekend, the government has secured coke and iron ore pellets for the blast furnaces and is confident there will be enough materials to keep the furnaces burning.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
We will always act in the interest of working people and UK industry. Thanks to the work of those at British Steel, and in my department, we have moved decisively to secure the raw materials we need to help save British Steel.
Our industries depend on UK steel and – thanks to our Plan for Change – demand is set to shoot up: helping build the 1.5 million homes, railways, schools and hospitals we need to usher in a decade of national renewal.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK announces new humanitarian funding for Sudan
The UK has announced new support to Sudan ahead of the Sudan conference which will bring together international representatives.
The UK will commit further life-saving aid for over 650,000 people affected by the ongoing violence as Sudan faces the worst humanitarian crisis on record.
A one-day conference will unite foreign ministers and leading humanitarian leaders at a conference in London to mark the two-year anniversary of the brutal conflict in Sudan.
International representatives will discuss how to achieve a peaceful end to the conflict and address the issues preventing aid reaching those most in need.
Today [15th April] the UK will co-host a conference in London alongside the African Union, EU, France and Germany to mark the two-year anniversary of the conflict in Sudan with attendees including major donors and multilateral institutions.
Bringing together foreign ministers from across the globe, the Foreign Secretary will step up international efforts to protect civilians and work towards an end to the conflict.
During a one-day conference, he will announce new life-saving aid to support over 650,000 Sudanese people. Alongside international counterparts, he will also identify steps to improve humanitarian access and find a long-term political solution.
Sudan is facing the worst humanitarian crisis on record, with over 30 million people in desperate need of aid, over 12 million people are displaced, and famine is spreading throughout Sudan. Over 12 million women and girls are also at risk of gender-based violence.
The new £120 million funding announced today will deliver lifesaving food and nutrition supplies, including for vulnerable children and will provide emergency support to survivors of sexual violence.
The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:
Two years is far too long – the brutal war in Sudan has devastated the lives of millions – and yet much of the world continues to look away. We need to act now to stop the crisis from becoming an all-out catastrophe, ensuring aid gets to those who need it the most.
As I saw earlier this year on a visit to Chad’s border with Sudan, the warring parties have shown an appalling disregard for the civilian population of Sudan. This conference will bring together the international community to agree a pathway to end the suffering.
Instability must not spread – it drives migration from Sudan and the wider region, and a safe and stable Sudan is vital for our national security. The UK will not let Sudan be forgotten.
African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye said:
Achieving peace in Sudan depends on valuing every voice and everyone playing a role in building a prosperous Sudan. The African Union is committed to assisting all the people of Sudan build a brighter democratic future by working to silence the guns.
The ongoing conflict and instability risks spilling over into the wider region, driving Sudanese people away from their homes, with some taking dangerous onward journeys to the UK and Europe. Instability in Sudan also directly impacts the UK’s national security.
The UK wants to help tackle instability in Sudan and reduce the level of irregular migration from the region to Europe and the UK as part of its Plan for Change.
Countries and organisations attending the Sudan conference include the United Kingdom, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), France, Germany, Canada, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Norway, Qatar, South Sudan, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, United States of America, alongside high-level Representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States (LAS) and the United Nations (UN).
On 17 November, the Foreign Secretary announced a £113 million aid package, which will support over a million people affected by violence in Sudan.
The new £120 million funding announced today is for the 2025/2026 financial year and will deliver food including pulses, oils, salts and cereals.
The UK welcomes the 13 February decision to keep the critical Chad-Sudan Adré border crossing open for three more months. But the Sudanese Armed Forces must keep it open permanently, and without restrictions.
The parties to the conflict continue to obstruct the work of humanitarian agencies, through delaying visas for aid workers and limiting their movements throughout Sudan.
Funding announced today aims to reach over 600,000 people including:
670,000 people reached with food assistance for three months.
205,000 people reached through a cash-based response.
600,000 people reached through nutrition and water and sanitation.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales.
This follows a similar announcement last year of plans to build a second temple for Queensland, in South Brisbane.
The two new structures – together with existing temples in Sydney (1984), Adelaide (2000), Melbourne (2000), Perth (2001) and Brisbane (2003) – will bring the total number of Australian temples to seven.
In a nation with fewer than 160,000 practising Mormons, these new buildings seek to increase the legitimacy and visibility of the church.
The Melbourne temple was erected in 2000, as was the temple in Adelaide. Wikimedia
The significance of temples
There are currently at least 200 completed Mormon temples around the globe, with an additional 182 under construction or announced.
Temples have a different purpose and scope to Mormon chapels, which are far more common: Australia has about 190 Mormon chapels.
Chapels are used for weekly sacrament (or communion) and weekly sermons. They are open to visitors, and often hold cultural events, extra church activities and family history centres.
Temples, on the other hand, represent the blending of the divine and temporal. According to the Mormon worldview and doctrines, they are the world’s most sacred structures.
Each temple is emblazoned with the phrase “The House of the Lord, Holiness to the Lord”. This isn’t just symbolic. Mormons believe each temple is literally the house of God, in which his presence may be felt.
Given the gravity of this belief, these spaces are reserved for those who have been deemed worthy to enter by Mormon leaders.
Inside the House of the Lord
The church itself maintains that temples are “sacred, not secret”. It has long worked to dispel speculation over what happens within temple bounds.
One way it does this is through “open houses”, in which a newly-built temple may be toured by anyone for a brief period. Once the open house has ended and the temple has been “dedicated” by a church leader – a process that includes blessing the building and those who will use it – it becomes entirely closed to the public.
Within the temples, the most sacred rituals and knowledge of “the gospel” are imparted upon faithful members. Rituals can be performed for both living people and deceased ancestors. They must never be conducted – or even discussed – outside the sacred temple space.
One of these rituals is baptism and confirmation for the dead by proxy (baptisms for the living are conducted in chapels or other spaces). This provides the deceased individuals “ordinances” that are necessary for salvation, which they did not receive during life.
These baptisms have been controversial at times, with ordinances performed on individuals who were not direct ancestors of Latter-day Saints, including Holocaust victims and historical figures such as Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler. Even prominent Australians such as Ned Kelly, Malcolm Fraser, Neville Bonner and Truganini have allegedly appeared as “baptised” in Mormon records.
The rituals are accompanied by various stages of knowledge progression for attendees. As with the rituals, temple knowledge is not to be discussed outside.
Local opposition
The air of secrecy and exclusivity surrounding Mormon temples has resulted in a flood of negative attention from Australian media, other religious institutions and society at large. News reports from as far back as the early 20th century sought to expose “Mormon temple secrets”.
The first temple, built in Sydney in 1984, was widely protested by community groups and organisations. The building had to be modified by the church before it was eventually approved. A similar situation transpired in Brisbane in the early 2000s.
In other cities, such as Adelaide and Melbourne, temples were not directly protested, but were still critiqued for their lavishness, with the average Australian temple costing around A$8 million in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
Given the cost of living crisis, and contention over the place of religion in contemporary Australia, the two proposed temples will likely also face criticism.
Reputational management
The church’s reputation in Australia has become ever more complicated over the past 20 years, not least due to several controversies.
In 2022 and 2023, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald reported the church was allegedly abusing tax laws, to the amount of hundreds of millions of dollars. This was addressed, but not confirmed or denied, in the November 2022 Senate Estimates by Australian Tax Office Assistant Commissioner Jeremy Hirschhorn, after questioning by Greens Senator David Shoebridge. Accusations of tax evasion have also been made in New Zealand and the United States.
The new Australian temples will be completed under a pall of critiques and accusations around church finances and other controversies. And while they might be briefly open to the public, their doors will just as quickly shut – adding more fuel to the speculation.
Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His current research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the nineteenth century to present.
FALMOUTH, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with federal law enforcement partners from the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested an illegally present Brazilian charged with multiple sex crimes against a Massachusetts child. Officers with ICE Boston and agents with FBI Boston and ATF Boston arrested Ilma Leandro De Oliveira, 53, in Falmouth, March 20.
“Ilma Leandro De Oliveira is charged with seven different crimes regarding the sexual victimization of a child in our Massachusetts community,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “These are crimes we simply will not tolerate. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our children by arresting and removing any criminal alien who poses a threat to our New England residents.”
U.S. Border Patrol arrested Leandro Sept. 20, 2007, after she illegally entered the United States near Laredo, Texas. The Border Patrol served her a notice and order of expedited removal.
On Dec. 27, 2007, ERO San Antonio removed Leandro from the United States to Brazil.
Leandro illegally re-entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.
The Falmouth District Court arraigned Leandro March 18, 2025, for rape of a child, reckless endangerment of a child, indecent exposure, indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, unnatural acts with a child, aggravated statutory rape of a child, and incest. Officers with ICE Boston and agents with FBI Boston and ATF Boston arrested Ilma Leandro De Oliveira in Falmouth March 20. They served her with a notice of intent/decision to reinstate a prior removal order.
ICE Boston transferred custody of Leandro over to the U.S. Marshals Service, April 8, as Leandro is expected to be prosecuted for illegal reentry after deportation.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.
Emergency Services Games donates $10,000 to mental health charity
Tuesday, 15 April 2025 – 7:37 am.
Emergency services personnel who took part in the Australian Police and Emergency Services Games held in Tasmania last month have raised $10,000 for charity.Acting Deputy Commissioner Rob Blackwood said that in a sold out event, 500 participants attended to help raise funds for charity through the AP&ES Games ‘charity of choice’ fundraiser event.“We’re pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity shown by all who attended our fundraiser event that we can present Mitch McPherson founder of Speak Up, Stay ChatTY with a cheque for $10,000,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.“The Games create the opportunity for emergency service workers who share a common goal to build camaraderie and promote healthy living.“We know emergency service workers and volunteers often face particularly challenging and stressful situations and we recognise the importance of supporting our employees and volunteers to keep a healthy body and healthy mind as they continue to help the community.”“That’s why we’ve decided to donate the $10,000 to Speak Up, Stay ChatTY – an important charity aimed at promoting positive mental health and preventing suicide by normalising conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.”The Games brought together not just police, fire, ambulance and SES, but also those emergency staff that work in defence, customs, corrections, royal lifesaving, environment and the coast guard to name just a few.“The 2025 Games was the largest multidiscipline sporting event to ever take place in Tasmania,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.“More than 2,000 competitors competed in over 50 individual sporting events and over 5,000 medals being presented to our competitors.” he said.“This year more than 200 volunteers also donated their time to make the games possible.“Supporting the mental and physical health of police officers, as well as other emergency services is extremely important, and we hope this donation will go some way in helping support other Tasmanians in need.”
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales.
This follows a similar announcement last year of plans to build a second temple for Queensland, in South Brisbane.
The two new structures – together with existing temples in Sydney (1984), Adelaide (2000), Melbourne (2000), Perth (2001) and Brisbane (2003) – will bring the total number of Australian temples to seven.
In a nation with fewer than 160,000 practising Mormons, these new buildings seek to increase the legitimacy and visibility of the church.
The Melbourne temple was erected in 2000, as was the temple in Adelaide. Wikimedia
The significance of temples
There are currently at least 200 completed Mormon temples around the globe, with an additional 182 under construction or announced.
Temples have a different purpose and scope to Mormon chapels, which are far more common: Australia has about 190 Mormon chapels.
Chapels are used for weekly sacrament (or communion) and weekly sermons. They are open to visitors, and often hold cultural events, extra church activities and family history centres.
Temples, on the other hand, represent the blending of the divine and temporal. According to the Mormon worldview and doctrines, they are the world’s most sacred structures.
Each temple is emblazoned with the phrase “The House of the Lord, Holiness to the Lord”. This isn’t just symbolic. Mormons believe each temple is literally the house of God, in which his presence may be felt.
Given the gravity of this belief, these spaces are reserved for those who have been deemed worthy to enter by Mormon leaders.
Inside the House of the Lord
The church itself maintains that temples are “sacred, not secret”. It has long worked to dispel speculation over what happens within temple bounds.
One way it does this is through “open houses”, in which a newly-built temple may be toured by anyone for a brief period. Once the open house has ended and the temple has been “dedicated” by a church leader – a process that includes blessing the building and those who will use it – it becomes entirely closed to the public.
Within the temples, the most sacred rituals and knowledge of “the gospel” are imparted upon faithful members. Rituals can be performed for both living people and deceased ancestors. They must never be conducted – or even discussed – outside the sacred temple space.
One of these rituals is baptism and confirmation for the dead by proxy (baptisms for the living are conducted in chapels or other spaces). This provides the deceased individuals “ordinances” that are necessary for salvation, which they did not receive during life.
These baptisms have been controversial at times, with ordinances performed on individuals who were not direct ancestors of Latter-day Saints, including Holocaust victims and historical figures such as Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler. Even prominent Australians such as Ned Kelly, Malcolm Fraser, Neville Bonner and Truganini have allegedly appeared as “baptised” in Mormon records.
The rituals are accompanied by various stages of knowledge progression for attendees. As with the rituals, temple knowledge is not to be discussed outside.
Local opposition
The air of secrecy and exclusivity surrounding Mormon temples has resulted in a flood of negative attention from Australian media, other religious institutions and society at large. News reports from as far back as the early 20th century sought to expose “Mormon temple secrets”.
The first temple, built in Sydney in 1984, was widely protested by community groups and organisations. The building had to be modified by the church before it was eventually approved. A similar situation transpired in Brisbane in the early 2000s.
In other cities, such as Adelaide and Melbourne, temples were not directly protested, but were still critiqued for their lavishness, with the average Australian temple costing around A$8 million in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
Given the cost of living crisis, and contention over the place of religion in contemporary Australia, the two proposed temples will likely also face criticism.
Reputational management
The church’s reputation in Australia has become ever more complicated over the past 20 years, not least due to several controversies.
In 2022 and 2023, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald reported the church was allegedly abusing tax laws, to the amount of hundreds of millions of dollars. This was addressed, but not confirmed or denied, in the November 2022 Senate Estimates by Australian Tax Office Assistant Commissioner Jeremy Hirschhorn, after questioning by Greens Senator David Shoebridge. Accusations of tax evasion have also been made in New Zealand and the United States.
The new Australian temples will be completed under a pall of critiques and accusations around church finances and other controversies. And while they might be briefly open to the public, their doors will just as quickly shut – adding more fuel to the speculation.
Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His current research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the nineteenth century to present.
Australia’s honeybees are facing an exceptional crisis. The tiny but devastating foreign pest Varroa destructor is steadily spreading across the country.
The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae), weakening them. It can also spread viruses that eventually destroy entire bee colonies.
What’s worse, Varroa destructor isn’t acting alone. In many parts of New South Wales, the mite’s arrival appears to have triggered a surge in another destructive pest: the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida).
A wet summer in the east has created ideal conditions for beetle outbreaks. This combination is putting enormous pressure on bees and beekeepers alike. Here’s how to help support the bee industry and, if you’re a backyard beekeeper, defend your hives against attack.
The parasitic mite Varroa destructor can hitch a ride on the back of a honeybee. Cornelia Sattler
Know your enemy
Varroa was first detected in Australia at the NSW Port of Newcastle in June 2022.
The mite is now widely established in NSW and in Queensland between Toowoomba and Brisbane.
It was detected in Victoria, North-West of Melbourne in February and the ACT earlier this month.
The varroa invasion appears to be making hives more susceptible to the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida). This species arrived in 2002.
The beetle thrives in warm, humid conditions and lays its eggs inside hives. The larvae feed on honey and wax, turning once-thriving hives into a foul, fermented mess. Beekeepers call this a “slime-out” — and it’s just as bad as it sounds.
The deadly one-two punch
A healthy bee colony can usually defend itself against beetles. But when bees are weakened by varroa mites, they’re far less capable of resisting a beetle invasion.
This deadly one-two punch has already devastated many beekeepers in NSW. One commercial beekeeper reported:
I had large infestations of mites. And then following the mite, I got the boom of the hive beetles. I probably lost 30 hives to beetles.
As varroa mites weaken a bee colony, other parasites — like the small hive beetle seen here — can invade and cause further damage. Cornelia Sattler
What to do if you suspect an infestation?
The number of registered recreational beekeepers in Australia is growing. In 2019, there were around 27,800 registered hobbyists. By 2023, that number had jumped to over 47,000. Backyard beekeepers also contribute A$260 million to the economy.
Varroa represents a major threat to every Australian honey producer, so here’s a few tips.
Inspect your hives at least once a month. If larvae appear to be tunnelling through honeycomb, or the honey appears fermented, these are signs beetles may be present.
It’s difficult to detect mites visually, especially when there are few mites present. That’s where monitoring techniques come in. Typically, 300 bees are placed in ethanol or icing sugar and shaken until mites fall off. This allows beekeepers to not only detect the mites but also to count them.
Report mites to the relevant state authorities. Failure to do so can result in fines.
Immediately treat the infested hive and move it at least ten metres away from any others.
Chemicals called miticides can kill varroa mites and knock the population down. But some beekeepers report side effects, including queen loss, so be prepared to replace queens.
We’ve experienced a lot of queenless hives. I don’t know whether that’s from treatments […] it might be just coincidence, but I’m hearing a lot of other beekeepers having the same problem.
Varroa mites feed on bee larvae, so caging the queen and taking a short break from brood production can reduce the mite population. Mites prefer male bee larvae, so removing these can help.
These control methods are effective, though labour-intensive, and potentially suitable for backyard beekeepers. They can lessen the need for chemical treatments — slowing the evolution of resistance to miticides.
Protection against mites and beetles
To prevent your backyard hives being infested by mites or beetles:
keep colonies well fed, so they don’t rob other colonies and catch their parasites
help bees recognise hives, so they don’t enter the wrong colony with varroa mites on their back (paint hives, space them apart by a few meters, ideally 10m)
reduce the size of hive entrances to help bees block access to intruders
regularly check that your beetle traps are still working, as bees often block the holes that let the beetles into the traps with tree resin
fill the cracks where beetles hide.
How consumers can help
Australians can support the nation’s beekeepers in a few simple ways. Buy 100% Australian honey and hive products from trusted, local sources.
Sugar can easily be swapped for honey in most recipes and honey is a great way to sweeten tea.
When substituting sugar for honey, it’s worth noting honey tastes sweeter so you might want to use less. Honey also contains 18% water, so you may need to reduce the amounts of other liquids in cake recipes accordingly.
Avoid imported honey and bee products to reduce the chance of bringing bee viruses into the country. Not all imported bee products are treated to kill bee viruses.
Finally, planting pollinator-friendly gardens helps to feed local bees.
Many fear mites will push beekeepers out of business. Protecting the industry requires a shift in mindset, from emergency response to long-term pest management.
With good science, community support and adaptive management, beekeepers — both commercial and backyard — can weather the storm.
Cornelia Sattler receives funding from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation to develop non-chemical varroa control methods.
Théotime Colin receives funding from the Australian Research Council, through an Early Career Industry Fellowship to develop non-chemical varroa control methods. He also receives funding from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation.
Whilst recent days have seen significant economic volatility across the globe, Jersey is well placed to face these challenges. We have a successful economy and long-term reserves of a scale that very few jurisdictions can match.
Underpinned by these reserves, the public finances have proved to be remarkably resilient in the face of the events of recent years.
Faced with current global uncertainties, Jersey is best served by prioritising investment in infrastructure that benefits and stimulates the local economy, enhances the wellbeing of Islanders, and contributes to Jersey being a vibrant place to live and work.
I can assure Islanders that Treasury remains committed to improving investment in the Island’s infrastructure and, in particular, to financing the New Hospital Facilities at Overdale and Fort Regent
