NewzIntel.com

Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Allens advises on pathfinder energy transition project financing

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    Australia’s first renewable energy zone reaches contractual and financial close

    Allens has advised the financiers to the ACEREZ partnership on the project and financing documentation with Energy Corporation of New South Wales (NSW EnergyCo) for the design, construction and operation of transmission infrastructure for Australia’s first renewable energy zone, the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in NSW.

    The first-of-its-kind project, which reached financial close last week, will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by 2028, which could represent around 25-30% of NSW’s total electricity needs and generate a significant economic boost in the Central-West Orana region and broader NSW.

    In a major step forward for NSW’s energy roadmap and Australia’s energy transition, the ACEREZ partnership – comprised of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy and advised by Capella Capital – will now formally commence construction of Australia’s first declared REZ.

    ‘Achieving contractual and financial close for Australia’s first renewable energy zone marks a significant milestone in Australia’s transition to clean and sustainable energy sources,’ said lead partner Nicholas Adkins.

    ‘As the remaining coal-fired power stations are retired in coming years, the Central-West Orana REZ will play a critical role in connecting solar and wind farms, as well as energy storage facilities, to the NSW electricity grid and ensuring timely, affordable and reliable energy sources for NSW.

    ‘This is the first competitively sourced REZ transmission project in Australia. It combines features of public-private partnership and regulated asset models, ensuring a tailored procurement process which safeguards the long-term interests of energy consumers. This landmark transaction will set a precedent for future renewable energy zones and other critical projects in Australia ,’ said lead Partner Nicholas Adkins.

    ‘Bringing this landmark project to life has required tremendous effort from everyone involved. We are proud to have advised the financing syndicate and we congratulate NSW EnergyCo, the ACEREZ partnership, Capella Capital as financial adviser to ACEREZ and the project financiers on reaching financial close for the project.’

    Allens legal team

    Nicholas Adkins (Partner),  Angela Lambros (Associate), Campbell Halliday (Associate), Maya Bahra (Associate), Greta Parker (Lawyer)

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sword Group: Investment in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Group is making a strategic operation in Scotland with the acquisition of iDelta, a cybersecurity and observability data specialist.

    iDelta, is a micro-company based in Edinburgh and specialising in the delivery of bespoke data and AI solutions, cybersecurity monitoring and automation, infrastructure monitoring, application observability and performance monitoring, fraud analytics, and Open Banking monitoring.
    iDelta has also created tools to help manage Open Banking data APIs, along with add-ons available on the Splunk marketplace. These solutions make it easier to connect with third-party technologies and ensure customers can efficiently access and use their data.

    This strategic step significantly enhances Sword’s cybersecurity and AI capabilities across all sectors, with a particular focus on Financial Services.

    The company’s revenue trend is €0.75M per year with an EBITDA margin of 30%.  
    This acquisition will be one of the driving factors in our cybersecurity strategy.

    The company will be consolidated in the Group’s accounts with effect from 1st April 2025.

    Calendar
    24/04/25
    2025 First Quarter Revenue

    28/04/25
    2025 Geeneral Meeting

    24/07/25
    2025 Second Quarter Revenue

    About Sword Group

    Sword has 3,200+ IT/Digital specialists
    active in 50+ countries to accompany you in the growth of your organisation in the digital age.

    As a leader in technological and digital transformation, Sword has a solid reputation in complex IT & business project management.

    Sword optimises your processes and enhances your data.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 98% of Queensland prawn areas at risk of inundation by rising seas this century

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caitie Kuempel, Lecturer, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University

    As climate change wreaks havoc with the world’s oceans, future production of fish, crustaceans and other aquatic organisms is under threat.

    Our new research shows how this disturbance will play out for Australia’s prawn industry, which is concentrated in Queensland. We found by 2100, sea level rise threatens to flood 98% of the state’s approved prawn areas.

    The problem is not confined to prawns – Queensland barramundi farming is also at risk from sea-level rise. Climate change also poses challenges for other major seafood industries in Australia, including salmon in Tasmania.

    Australian seafood is vital to our culture and diets, and the national economy. We must take steps now to ensure the aquaculture industry thrives in a warmer world.

    Spotlight on Queensland prawns

    Aquaculture refers to breeding, rearing and harvesting fish, crustaceans, algae and other organisms in water. Australia’s aquaculture industry is expected to be worth A$2.2 billion by 2028–29.

    Aquaculture can involve a variety of methods, from ponds and sea cages to indoor tank systems and even giant ships.

    Aquaculture is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing primary industries – partly due to burgeoning production in prawn farming.

    Queensland is also expected to experience a 0.8m sea-level rise by 2100, under a high-emissions scenario. Our research investigated how this could affect the state’s aquaculture industry.

    We did this by examining existing data on coastal inundation and erosion from sea-level rise, combined with data on current and future aquaculture production areas.

    We found 43% of sites where aquaculture production is currently occurring are at risk from sea-level rise. Prawn farming is the most vulnerable.

    About 98% of areas approved for prawn farming in Queensland are expected to be inundated by seawater by 2100. The risk includes 88% of areas currently producing prawns. Prawns are grown in large ponds on land near the coast with access to saltwater, which makes them particularly vulnerable to inundation. Annual prawn production losses due to sea-level rise could reach up to A$127.6 million by century’s end.

    Inundation and coastal erosion can cause breaches in pond walls compromising their structural integrity. These risks may be amplified when sea-level rise coincides with coastal flooding. Rising seas can also increase salinity in surrounding soils and groundwater, further affecting ponds. Other aquaculture infrastructure, such as hatcheries, buildings, and roads, may also be disrupted.

    The Gold Coast region – a prawn production hub – is particularly vulnerable. Damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred highlights the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure to extreme weather. This will only worsen as the planet warms.

    Queensland barramundi farms also face a serious threat. Some 44% of areas producing barramundi are likely to be exposed to inundation, causing up to A$22.6 million in annual production losses. Meanwhile, two of Queensland’s designated “Aquaculture Development Areas” – regions earmarked by the state government for industry expansion – may be unsuitable due to future sea levels. Both are located in the Hinchinbrook Shire Council area.

    Beyond rising seas

    Globally and in Australia, climate change is posing myriad challenges to seafood farmers.

    Rising water temperatures stress animals such as salmon, lowering oxygen levels which slows growth rates and increases their risk of disease. Such depletion is a particular concern in already low-oxygen environments, such as Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour.

    Ocean heatwaves can cause mass fish deaths and devastate production. In Tasmania in February, more than 5,500 tonnes of dead fish were dumped at southern Tasmanian waste facilities – a problem linked to warmer water temperatures.

    Dead and decomposing fish can further alter oxygen levels in water, spread disease to wild populations and attract scavengers. In the Tasmanian case, fish remains washed up on public beaches, angering the public and leading to calls for greater industry regulation.

    Extreme weather further complicates aquaculture operations. Storms, flooding and abnormal rain patterns can affect water salinity which impacts species growth and survival. They can also damage vital infrastructure, which may allow animals to escape.

    This occurred in 2022, when repeated flooding and disease outbreaks on oyster farms in New South Wales led to complete stock losses, prolonged farm closures and workers being laid off.

    Surviving a warmer future

    Not all aquaculture operations will suffer under climate change. Warming waters can lead to longer growing seasons in temperate regions. It can also expand suitable habitat for tropical species such as tilapia, mussels and oysters. Regions previously inhospitable to aquaculture may become viable production zones.

    For the countries and producers that are expected to suffer, those that plan for and adapt to climate shifts can minimise losses.

    Key steps industry and government can take include:

    • planning farms in lower-risk areas and relocating vulnerable sites

    • implementing climate-resilient infrastructure and restoring coastal ecosystems near farms to buffer against climate impacts

    • expanding to include diverse species and selectively breeding stock that can tolerate the changing conditions

    • strategic government policies and planning, financial incentives, and investment in resilient infrastructure to help the industry stay ahead of climate risks.

    With the right strategies, Australia’s aquaculture industry can adapt to a changing climate and continue to contribute to food security and community wellbeing.

    Caitie Kuempel receives funding from the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre. She is affiliated with BECRC Marine Spatial Planning project.

    Marina receives Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship and Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship as and HDR PhD Student

    – ref. 98% of Queensland prawn areas at risk of inundation by rising seas this century – https://theconversation.com/98-of-queensland-prawn-areas-at-risk-of-inundation-by-rising-seas-this-century-253330

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cadet experience gives youngsters a clear advantage at work and further education, new study finds

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Cadet experience gives youngsters a clear advantage at work and further education, new study finds

    Young people who join the cadets do better at school, have improved attendance and behaviour and are more likely to go to university, a new report has found.

    Young people who join the cadets do better at school, have improved attendance and behaviour and are more likely to go to university, a new report has found. 

    The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the University of Northampton, today launches its latest report, The Impact and Value of School-based Cadet Forces in the UK. It highlights the transformative impact of the Cadet Forces on social mobility, employability and mental health, demonstrating the immense value cadets bring to wider society, but particularly schools.  

    Having a cadet unit in school also has a positive impact on the resilience of pupils that are cadets according to 98.9% of head teachers surveyed. 

    Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns said:  

    Joining the cadets is more than just an opportunity—it’s a transformative experience. It empowers young people to build character, resilience, and teamwork. They learn to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and grow with honour.  

    This new report unequivocally demonstrates that being a cadet gives pupils an ‘edge’ in applications for college, university, apprenticeships and employment. This Government has a Plan for Change, and that includes an unwavering commitment to investing in our youth with programmes like the Cadet Expansion Programme.

    As publicly funded national youth organisations for 12–18-year-olds, the Cadets Forces’ goals and values are reflective of the Government’s aims, as laid out in the Plan for Change. That includes breaking down barriers to opportunity for all and making the country fit and secure for the future. 

    To mark the publication, and celebrate the significance of cadets and their contributions, the Defence Minister Alistair Carns joined active cadets and notable former cadets and advocates at Frimley Park Cadet Training Centre, in Surrey. 

    During the event, Army cadets completed an obstacle course before being joined by the minister – along with Jordan Wylie – for a group race carrying a log. Navy and Sea cadets, meanwhile, competed on a Field Gun run and a rope tying course, while the RAF cadets stepped into an immersive VR activity. 

    Whilst at the training centre, the Minister also awarded the medals to cadets who are medal recipients for their participation in the King’s Coronation in 2023. 

    The report findings build on previous research which found that if every year the cadet experience helps just 1% of cadets change their life outcomes so that they’re in employment, education or training, the annual costs of the cadet forces is completely covered. In terms of health and wellbeing alone, participation in the Cadet Force produce an annual return on investment in the region of about £120 million each year. 

    It has been estimated that each year a lifetime value of vocational qualifications gained by the most disadvantaged cadets is well over £130 million. Adult volunteers also see significant benefits from supporting the cadet forces by gaining confidence and additional skills and qualifications that are transferrable to their wider workplace.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Resilience committee responds to wildfire

    Source: Scottish Government

    SGoRR meets to discuss ongoing situation.

    The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met this evening to discuss the response to an ongoing wildfire in the area of Galloway.

    The meeting was chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, and attended by partner agencies including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Forestry and Land Scotland.

    The meeting heard that progress has been made in bringing the fire under control today, but that the incident remains ongoing. People are being urged to stay away from the area and any nearby residents should keep their doors and windows closed.

    Ms Constance said:

    “I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported on Thursday. Thanks to their efforts, significant progress has been made and the situation is currently under control.

    “I am reassured to hear that so far there has been no damage to properties or mature woodland. However, this remains an on-going incident and the situation will be re-assessed at first light.

    “Earlier this week the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued an extreme wildfire warning due to the dry conditions across much of Scotland. As we continue to see a period of warm and dry weather, it’s essential that all of us act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors so we can keep the number of wildfires at an absolute minimum.”

    Background

    An extreme wildfire warning was issued by SFRS earlier this week.

    SFRS advises people to always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and has a range of safety advice for wildfire prevention on its website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charity regulator recovers almost £150k for public purse after discovering gold bullion 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Charity regulator recovers almost £150k for public purse after discovering gold bullion 

    The Charity Commission has banned trustees of The Saint George Educational Trust after a statutory inquiry found significant financial mismanagement. 

    The charity, which is based in Hampshire, was registered in 1994 to carry out activities that advance the Catholic religion and education about the faith.   

    However, during the Commission’s inquiry, the regulator discovered that the charity’s bank account was being used as a conduit for money from unknown sources, and the charity was wrongly claiming Gift Aid on these funds. Some charitable assets were also being held as gold bullion by individuals unconnected to the charity.  

    The charity’s website and social media were also found to have posted content linked to the leader of a far-right political group, not in furtherance of its charitable purposes, as well as an Islamist terrorist organisation.  

    Subsequently, the Commission removed the trustees from the charity and has appointed Interim Managers, who will settle outstanding debts and redistribute any remaining charitable funds to a charity with similar charitable purposes before winding up the organisation.  

    The inquiry was opened in October 2022 after the regulator identified concerns that the charity was engaging in activities, including online content, that did not appear to further its religious purposes.   

    Findings  

    The inquiry has found significant governance failings, financial mismanagement, and unacceptable political activity at the charity, including:  

    1. The charity’s chair had allowed the charity’s bank account to receive ‘donations’ from unknown sources, which were then transferred to entities unknown to the trustees.   

    2. The trustees then successfully claimed, from HMRC, Gift Aid in the sum of £80,455.75 on those funds coming into the charity. The charity retained 20% of the Gift Aid element with the remainder being transferred to accounts unknown to the trustees.  These claims were later disallowed by HMRC, and the Commission recovered the total sum of £146,166.14 (including interest and a penalty) from the charity.   

    3. The inquiry discovered more than £30,000 of charity assets had been converted into gold bullion held by individuals with no formal connection to the charity. It also found items described as being of religious significance, such as rare books, belonging to the charity, said to have a value in the £10,000s, were in a storage unit that was also not in the charity’s possession.   

    4. The inquiry found that the trustees’ actions demonstrated a complete failure in their duty to act in the charity’s best interests. There was no evidence that they conducted any checks on the entities transferring funds to the charity’s bank account, nor did they independently assess how the money was spent.   

    5. The charity’s website and social media accounts contained content linked to far-right activities and a post likely to be interpreted as support for Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation.   

    Regulatory action   

    Following the opening of its inquiry, the Commission took action to freeze over half a million pounds of the charity’s funds and ensure inappropriate content was removed from the charity’s website and social media.   

    With the assistance of the police, gold bullion was recovered and sold, which enabled the Commission to make orders to the police and bank, which held funds on behalf of the charity, and to repay HMRC £146,166.14 for Gift Aid wrongly obtained by the charity.   

    In January 2025, the trustees at that time were removed from the charity as trustees. This means that they are disqualified from serving as trustees or holding any position with senior management function in relation to any charity in England and Wales.  

    The Commission appointed Interim Managers to take control of the running of the charity, who secured the items held in storage, and are working to identify the charity’s liabilities in preparation for winding up and dissolution. Any remaining funds will be distributed to other Catholic charities.   

    Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, said:   

    The generous British public can be reassured that deliberate abuse of charity is rare and as this case shows when it does occur, we act swiftly and robustly.    

    This was a flagrant abuse of charity and a betrayal of the public’s trust. The Commission’s actions during this ongoing inquiry mean that all the public money falsely claimed from HMRC has been repaid and we have ensured that the trustees can’t run a charity again.  

    Charity Commission Head of Compliance Visits and Inspections, Joshua Farbridge, said:   

    I have no doubt that the public will be shocked by the inquiry’s findings. The charity was used to promote inappropriate and harmful views, express support for a proscribed terrorist organisation, and to make improper Gift Aid claims. While what transpired may seem more suited to fiction, this is, regrettably, all too real.    

    The Commission has acted to protect the charity’s remaining assets, and the Interim Managers will work towards winding up and dissolving it.” 

    The full report detailing the findings of the inquiry will be published following the completion of the Interim Managers’ work in winding up and dissolving the charity.   

    ENDS  

    Notes to editors  

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.  

    2. On 7 October 2022, the Commission opened a statutory inquiry into The Saint George Educational Trust under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 (the ‘Act’).   

    3. A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation. An inquiry investigates and establishes the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.  

    4. On 25 July 2022, the charity became part of the Commission’s Statutory Class Inquiry, having failed to submit financial information to the Commission for two or more years over a 5-year period. The charity ceased to be part of the Class Inquiry when the scale of concerns identified led to the opening of a separate inquiry, which remains ongoing.  

    5. On 16 January 2025, the inquiry made an Order under section 76(3)(g) of the Act to appoint Tom Murdoch and Tony Pidgeon of Stone King LLP to act as Interim Managers for the charity.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Backing British business: Prime Minister unveils plan to support carmakers

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Backing British business: Prime Minister unveils plan to support carmakers

    The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate will be changed to make it easier for industry to upgrade to make electric vehicles.

    • 2030 phase out date of new petrol and diesel car sales confirmed with hybrids to be sold until 2035 and small manufacturers exempt
    • firms given greater freedom on how to meet the target – easing pressure on industry
    • £2.3 billion to boost manufacturing zero emission vehicles and help working people make the switch
    • Prime Minister says new era means we must go ‘further and faster’ on the Plan for Change to spur growth that puts more money in working people’s pockets

    British car brands like Rolls-Royce, Vauxhall, and Land Rover are being given certainty, stability, and support as the Prime Minister sets out plans to back industry in the face of global economic headwinds today (7 April 2025).

    The Prime Minister will say the new era of global insecurity means that the government must go further and faster reshaping our economy through the Plan for Change.

    The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate will be changed to make it easier for industry to upgrade to make electric vehicles, while delivering the manifesto commitment to stop sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, which will help even more British consumers access the benefits of cheap to run electric vehicles. 

    The package will be backed by a modern Industrial Strategy, to be published in full this summer, which will help British businesses realise the potential of industries of the future.

    The changes, which reflect extensive consultation, will help the car industry by:

    • increasing flexibility of the mandate for manufacturers up to 2030, so that more cars can be sold in later years when demand is higher
    • allowing hybrid cars – like the Toyota Prius and Nissan e-Power – to be sold until 2035 to help ease the transition and give industry more time to prepare
    • continuing to boost demand for electric vehicles, on top of the £2.3 billion we’re already spending on boosting British manufacturing and improving charging infrastructure – with a new charge-point popping up every half an hour
    • pressing on with tax breaks worth hundreds of millions of pounds to help people switch to electric vehicles

    Support for the car industry will be kept under review as the impact of new tariffs become clear.

    This package is the latest in a series of pro-growth measures that the Prime Minister is announcing to counter the impact of new global headwinds and build a strong, resilient economy with more well-paid jobs.

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    Global trade is being transformed so we must go further and faster in reshaping our economy and our country through our Plan for Change.

    I am determined to back British brilliance. Now more than ever UK businesses and working people need a government that steps up, not stands aside.

    That means action, not words. So today I am announcing bold changes to the way we support our car industry.

    This will help ensure home-grown firms can export British cars built by British workers around the world and the industry can look forward with confidence, as well as back with pride.

    And it will boost growth that puts money in working people’s pockets, the first priority of our Plan for Change.

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 

    We will always back British business. In the face of global economic challenges and stifled by a lack of certainty and direction for too long, our automotive industry deserves clarity, ambition and leadership. That is exactly what we are delivering today.

    Our ambitious package of strengthening reforms will protect and create jobs – making the UK a global automotive leader in the switch to EVs – all the while meeting our core manifesto commitment to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.

    Once again, the Prime Minister’s decisive and bold actions show how we’re on the side of British business while harnessing the opportunities of the zero emissions transition to create jobs and drive growth, securing Britain’s future, and delivering our Plan for Change.

    In recognition of the changing global trading landscape, the government has worked with the industry to both strengthen its commitment to the phase out and introduce practical reforms to support industry meet this ambition.

    Demand for electric vehicles is already rising, with the latest data showing sales in March were up over 40% on last year, which will help with the transition.

    There is a huge opportunity to be harnessed here – with the UK being the largest EV market in Europe. Over £6 billion of private funding is lined up to be invested in the UK’s chargepoint roll-out by 2030. Since July, the government has also seen £34.8 billion of private investment announced into UK’s clean energy industries.

    The updated ZEV Mandate will ensure flexibilities support UK manufacturers by: 

    • maintaining the existing phase-out dates and headline trajectories for cars and vans
    • extending the current ability to borrow in 2024-26, to enable repayment through to 2030
    • extending the current ability to transfer non-ZEVs to ZEVs from 2024-26, out to 2029, giving significant additional flexibility to reward CO2 savings from hybrids – caps will be included to ensure credibility
    • introducing a new flexibility by allowing for van to car transfer, i.e. 1 car credit will be exchanged for 0.4 van credits, and 1 van credit will be exchanged for 2.0 car credits 

    The wide-ranging package of measures introduced today will also exempt small and micro-volume manufacturers – supercar brands including McLaren and Aston Martin – from the Mandate targets, preserving some of the UK car industry’s most iconic jewels for years to come.

    Vans with an internal combustion engine (ICE) will also be allowed to be sold until 2035, alongside full hybrids and plug-in hybrid vans.

    Employing 152,000 people and adding £19 billion to our economy, the UK’s automotive industry is a huge asset to our nation – and the transition to zero emissions is the biggest opportunity of the 21st century to attract investment, harness British innovation, and deliver growth for generations to come.

    Owning and buying an EV is becoming increasingly cheaper, with drivers able to save £1,100 a year compared to petrol if they charge overnight at home. Half of used electric cars are sold at under £20,000 and 29 brand new electric cars are available from under £30,000.

    The UK was also the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with over 382,000 EVs sold – up a fifth on the previous year. There are now more than 75,000 public chargepoints in the UK – with one added every 29 minutes – ensuring that motorists are always a short drive from a socket.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    The world is changing but we are determined to deliver for working people, protect their jobs and put more pounds in their pockets.

    That is why we are backing British business and investing in industries of the future, including our car manufacturers.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    It is very important that the government has strengthened our commitment to our world leading EV transition plan.

    This plan will benefit UK consumers by expanding the market for cars that are cheaper to run. And it will support our domestic manufacturing so we can seize this global opportunity.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This pro-business government is taking the bold action needed to give our auto sector the certainty that secures jobs, drives investment and ensures they thrive on the global stage.

    Our Industrial Strategy will back the country’s high growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, so we can grow the economy and deliver on the promises of our Plan for Change.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister Carney of Canada: 6 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with Prime Minister Carney of Canada: 6 April 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney this evening.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney this evening.

    They discussed their commitment to working together to maintain global economic stability in the wake of the announcement from the United States this week. An all-out trade war is in no-one’s interest, they agreed. 

    Both agreed on the importance of free and open trade between like-minded nations, and the Prime Minister stated that trading blocs such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership will be important in this new global era. 

    Prime Minister Carney thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership on Ukraine and reaffirmed his commitment to Canada playing a role in the Coalition of the Willing. 

    Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said he was looking forward to travelling to Canada for the G7 Summit in June. 

    They agreed to stay in close contact.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with international leaders: 6 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with international leaders: 6 April 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke with international leaders including the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and leader of the German Christian Democratic Union party Friedrich Merz.

    The Prime Minister has today continued to speak with international leaders including the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and leader of the German Christian Democratic Union party Friedrich Merz.

    Discussing the announcement of additional tariffs by the United States, they all agreed that – as with defence and security – this is a new era for the global economy. Europe must rise to meet the moment and ensure the impact on hard-working people is minimised, while working closely with other countries to help maintain wider economic stability.

    The Prime Minister reiterated that he was disappointed by the new tariffs and stressed he will continue to act in the UK’s national interest — remaining calm while preparing for all eventualities.

    He updated on his plans to go further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy and ensure it is as resilient as possible and can withstand these kinds of global shocks. He added that it would be important for the UK to strengthen its trading relationships with others across the globe at the same time. 

    The Prime Minister agreed to keep in close contact.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on China’s large-scale military drills around Taiwan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on China’s large-scale military drills around Taiwan

    G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement

    6 April 2025

    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, express deep concern about China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent large-scale military drills around Taiwan.

    These increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are raising cross-Strait tensions and put at risk global security and prosperity.

    G7 members and the larger international community have an interest in the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten such peace and stability, including by force or coercion.

    G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens call for power to stop landlords hiking up rents for neglected homes

    Source: Scottish Greens

    06 Apr 2025 Housing

    The proposals will ensure families have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home.

    More in Housing

    Rogue landlords should no longer be able to hike rents on properties that have fallen into disrepair and are not up to standard, say the Scottish Greens.

    Green MSP Maggie Chapman has lodged amendments to the forthcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill that would prevent rent increases if a property does not meet the minimum standards to be set by Ministers in terms quality, repair and energy efficiency.

    The proposals will strengthen renters’ rights and help to ensure that households and families across Scotland have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home.

    Ms Chapman said:

    “Everyone deserves a warm, safe and affordable place to call home, but all over Scotland there are rogue landlords trying to rinse renters and maximise their profits while providing sub-par accommodation that people are forced to endure.

    “For far too long, far too many landlords have been able to get away with doing the bare minimum while their tenants are paying the price. They have left houses in disrepair and treated renters terribly while hiking up rents and knowing that they can get away with it.

    “We need to end the huge power imbalance. We don’t just need stricter regulations, we also need to ensure that landlords are actually following them.

    “My proposals will uphold the rights of renters and penalise the landlords who refuse to repair or upgrade their properties while charging premium prices.

    “Homes must be suitable for living in and quite frankly, far too many are not. I hope that all parties will back my proposals and protect renters across Scotland.”

    Ms Chapman has also lodged amendments that would allow Local Authorities to force owners of derelict properties and land to sell or rent for use as housing. The Local Authority itself would not need to be the purchaser.

    This is a key ask of homelessness charities such as Shelter, who argue that this is crucial in order to improving housing supply.

    Ms Chapman added:

    “Homes are for living in, but there are landlords sitting on derelict property, sometimes for years and years. This could unlock thousands of homes that are currently sitting empty and help people and families who are struggling.

    “Scotland’s housing system is broken and we need big and bold changes like these if we are to live up to the urgency of the moment.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and US hit major milestone in development of hypersonic weapons

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK and US hit major milestone in development of hypersonic weapons

    UK hypersonic research, which could see weapons travelling at several thousand miles per hour, has reached a landmark moment after successful completion of a major testing programme.

    Hypersonic engine being tested

    • UK scientists complete major hypersonic propulsion test, enabled by close collaboration between UK government, industry and US government.
    • The propulsion system is set to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept.
    • 233 test runs were carried out at a number of hypersonic speeds, marking a critical step forward in UK Defence capabilities.

    This research aims to support delivery of a hypersonic weapon technology demonstrator by 2030 through the MOD’s Team Hypersonics (UK) programme. This will provide a transformational capability that delivers operational advantage for the future UK armed forces.

    National security is a foundation of this government’s Plan for Change and today’s news comes after the Prime Minister announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. 

    A joint team led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) together with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and supported by industry partners including UK SME Gas Dynamics Ltd, carried out 233 successful static test runs at the NASA Langley Research Centre in Virginia, USA.

    This extensive testing was part of the UK’s Hypersonic Weapons Programme, and took place over six weeks involving real-time data analysis to refine design aspects and boost propulsive performance.

    The trial explored several design variations, ensuring the propulsion system’s readiness for future system design updates. The engine is poised to power a cutting-edge hypersonic cruise missile concept and successfully demonstrated the performance of the high-speed air-breathing engine – enabling greater ranges than a conventional rocket – advancing the UK’s hypersonic weapon capabilities.

    The tests spanned the full flight Mach number range from supersonic to hypersonic speeds, validating the robustness of the engine design and paving the way for future upgrades.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    We are living in a more dangerous world and it has never been more important for us to innovate and stay ahead of our adversaries, equipping our forces with the technologies of the future.

    This milestone moment on hypersonics research, supported by British scientists and British small businesses, demonstrates another crucial area where we are working in lockstep with the United States to bolster our Armed Forces and strengthen our deterrence.

    Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:

    This milestone represents a critical advancement in the UK’s defence capabilities and reinforces our standing in the AUKUS hypersonic weapon development collaboration. The success of these tests highlights the UK’s commitment to technological leadership and innovation in this crucial area.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government-branded merchandise and away days banned

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government-branded merchandise and away days banned

    Spending taxpayer money on unnecessary branded merchandise and staff ‘away days’ will be banned in the latest crackdown on wasteful spending across departments

    • Government doing away with costly away days and pricy merchandise
    • Every pound of taxpayer money targeted on securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, delivering security for working people and renewal for our country
    • Part of crackdown on wasteful spending in government in favour of a more productive and agile state

    Spending taxpayer money on unnecessary branded merchandise and staff ‘away days’ will be banned in the latest crackdown on wasteful spending across departments.

    Staff training and development are key to boosting productivity, but officials will now be instructed to hold training and team-building exercises and ‘away days’ in government buildings that are available for free, instead of hiring external venues.  

    Thousands of pounds have also been spent in recent years on goods branded with department logos or slogans—including mugs, jumpers, water bottles, and even fidget cubes. 

    Such spending will be banned, focusing funding where it matters to working people such as rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden MP, said:

    By cutting wasteful spending we can target resources at frontline public services with more teachers, extra hospital appointments and police back on the beat.

    We will use taxpayers’ money to deliver our Plan for Change, kick-starting economic growth, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.

    The Cabinet Office has set out requirements for all departments to review their policies on procuring corporate-branded and non-essential merchandise, with a view to restricting future purchases. 

    These stricter rules will permit government merchandise only when essential for delivering the government’s agenda, for example, in overseas trade and diplomacy, to promote growth.

    Further measures will require departments to ensure that external venues for away days are only used when space in government buildings is unavailable.  

    This announcement builds on plans to significantly reduce the approximately 20,000 government credit cards in circulation. Last week, all departments and their public bodies were instructed to freeze their cards, with cardholders required to reapply under tighter new guidelines.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Repeat drink driver caught by police in St Helens

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Repeat drink driver caught by police in St Helens

    Sunday, 6 April 2025 – 1:51 pm.

    A 29-year-old Warrane man has been apprehended and charged with drink driving and other serious traffic charges for the third time in Northern Tasmania.
    Just after midnight, police officers from St Helens apprehended the man after he allegedly attempted to evade officers conducting a random breath test.
    Inspector Luke Manhood said the man reportedly fled on foot before being caught by officers and subsequently returning a reading of 0.095.
    “He has been charged with evading police, exceeding 0.05, and driving whilst disqualified, and his vehicle has been clamped for 28 days.
    “This is the third time in recent months the man has been apprehended for similar offences on Tasmania’s East Coast.
    “On 31 December 2024, the man was apprehended by police on the Esk Highway, Fingal, where he returned a reading of 0.122 and was charged with evading police, stating a false name, speeding, driving with a suspended licence, and exceeding 0.05.
    “Then on 25 January 2025, he was intercepted by St Helens Police, where he returned a reading of 0.088, was charged with exceeding 0.05 and driving with a suspended licence.
    “This type of dangerous and repeat behaviour is unacceptable and places the community at serious risk.
    “This pattern of behaviour may result in significant legal consequences,” said Mr Manhood.
    “We remain committed to road safety and want everyone to get home safely.
    “Our message is simple – if you drink and drive, it’s only a matter of time before you get caught. We could be anywhere, at any time,” Mr Manhood added.
    Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving or suspects someone may be driving under the influence is urged to contact police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Mantung

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Mantung in the Riverland.

    Just after 12.30pm on Sunday 6 April, police and emergency services responded to a single vehicle crash on Evans Road.

    Evans Road is closed just north of Farr Road. Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

    Major Crash Investigators will be attending the scene.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Shares Substantial Progress on Tackling Health Inequalities

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council has shared an important update on its efforts to tackle health inequalities, following a report revealing people living in deprived areas of Liverpool are dying up to 15 years earlier than those in other parts of the city. 

    At the Full Council meeting (Wednesday 2 April) Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, presented a 12-month progress report on Liverpool’s response to the landmark State of Health in Liverpool 2040 report. 

    Released in January 2024, the report also found that if left unaddressed, by 2040 major illness could rise by 38,000 people, and the burden of depression, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions would significantly increase. 

    In response, the Council referred oversight of the report’s recommendations to the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) chaired by Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, committing to long-term, meaningful change. 

    Key achievements from the past year include: 

    • A new 0–19 Health Service for children and young people, delivered by Mersey Care, Alder Hey and wider Council services. 
    • A new integrated addictions service for all ages, delivered by Change Grow Live.
    • The launch of LivLife, a healthy weight service supporting families, children, and adults with food and physical activity. 
    • A new social support service at Alder Hey, offering families broader advice and support through Health Junction and Citizens Advice. 
    • Liverpool to be confirmed as a Marmot City, recognising the commitment to tackling health inequalities using evidence-based principles.

    The Health and Wellbeing Board, alongside over 200 local, regional, and national partners, have also been driving forward other recommendations contained within Liverpool Health 2040, by influencing a range of strategies such as the city’s new Housing Strategy, Tobacco Control Strategy, and a refreshed Physical Activity Strategy. 

    The Council is currently working up proposals, using at least £500k of the Public Health grant funding, to reinvigorate youth services by significantly investing in youth workers.  This targeted support will be an integral part of a new, multi-agency plan for the city that seeks to improve joint working to help young people thrive.  

    The city has also advanced its commitment to data-driven decision-making in partnership with local universities, ensuring robust, evidence-informed policy.

    Additionally, Liverpool has been a vocal advocate for national policy changes, lobbying for better funding and greater local powers to address unhealthy environments and behaviours. One powerful example is Liverpool’s role in supporting the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will prevent the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009. 

    Other actions by the City Council include banning unhealthy advertising on its owned media spaces, such as products high in fat, salt, or sugar, alcohol, and gambling, and pushing for this policy to be adopted across the wider city region. 

    The Council’s announcement that the city will officially be designated a Marmot City is a significant milestone recognising Liverpool’s adoption of Sir Michael Marmot’s evidence-based principles to tackle health inequalities by addressing their root causes.

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
    “We know meaningful, long-term change takes time and there are no quick fixes when it comes to tackling deep-rooted health inequalities.  

    “However, by maintaining momentum, working in partnership across the system, and holding ourselves to account, we can and will continue to build a healthier and fairer city for everyone.  

    “This is about creating lasting change that will benefit future generations, not just short-term improvements.” 

    Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, Professor Matthew Ashton, said:
    “The Liverpool Health 2040 report struck a chord with all of us. It laid bare the urgent need to act and challenged us to think differently about how we address health inequalities. 

    “I am really pleased with our progress over the last 12 months.  However, we must continue to embed this approach into our strategies and actions at every level, ensuring that health equity is not just a goal, but a core principle shaping the future of our city.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Huge income boost for millions of pensioners and working people.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Huge income boost for millions of pensioners and working people.

    Millions of pensioners will receive as much as £470 more a year added to their State Pension from today, thanks to the government’s’ ironclad commitment to the pensions Triple Lock throughout this parliament.

    • Millions of pensioners to receive up to an additional £470 in their State Pension this year.
    • Triple Lock means those receiving the State Pension are set to increase by up to £1,900 over the term of this Parliament.
    • Over five million households receiving working-age benefits such as Universal Credit will also see an average boost of £150, with Plan for Change putting more money in working people’s pockets.

    This comes alongside the annual uprating of working-age benefits such as Universal Credit, with people receiving those set to receive an extra £150 on average over the course of this year – an increase set to benefit 5.7 million working-age households. Disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and child benefits are also set to increase by the same amount.

    The Triple Lock – which guarantees that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5% – means the basic and new State Pensions are increasing by 4.1%, well above the current level of inflation.

    These changes come alongside increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, benefiting three million eligible workers across the country. With the National Living Wage increasing to £12.21 for those aged 21 and over and the National Minimum Wage for those aged 18 to 20 seeing a record increase to £10 an hour, three million workers will benefit, with eligible full-time workers set to see an increase in their annual salary of £1,400.

    This support is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, which is delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth to put more money in working people’s pockets and rebuilding the NHS.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    Our ironclad commitment to the Triple Lock gives pensioners across the country the certainty and security they need to live a full life in retirement.

    We are putting more money in people’s pockets and driving up household income as part of our Plan for Change.

    Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:

    Raising the State Pension and rescuing the NHS – these are this government’s priorities to give all pensioners the dignity they deserve in their retirement. Those who have worked hard throughout their lives, paying into the system, are owed nothing less.

    We’re improving the lives of millions of pensioners through our £7.84 billion additional funding for the State Pension this year. That means up to £470 extra in pensioners’ pockets from this week and comes alongside our work to boost Pension Credit uptake, and the £26 billion we’ve invested in the NHS that has seen waiting lists in England fall for 5 months in a row.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    With today’s increase in working-age benefits, and our ironclad commitment to pensioners through the Triple Lock, we are making the decisions that support those who need it in Britain, putting money into people’s pockets and delivering our Plan for Change.

    The uprating of State Pensions and working-age benefits amounts to a cash boost of over £6.9 billion, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring pensioners enjoy the dignity and respect they deserve in retirement, while also supporting low-income families.

    It also comes alongside proposals for the biggest welfare reforms for a generation. These measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support they need.

    That support also includes help for pensioners. The government’s drive to support low-income pensioners has led to 50,000 extra Pension Credit awards since the summer – an increase of 64% compared to the same period last year.

    Pension Credit is worth on average £4,300 a year and also unlocks support including help with Housing Costs, Council Tax and free television licenses.

    Support also includes a £742 million extension of the Household Support Fund in England, from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, providing support with the cost of essentials such as food, heating and bills.

    Additional information:

    • The majority of the new rates will apply from Monday 7 April 2025. Please see here for a full list of rising benefits: Benefit and pension rates 2025 to 2026 – GOV.UK
    • Those in receipt of the State Pension and other uprated benefits will see an increase in their next payments following Monday 7 April.
    • Details of when the State Pension is paid can be found on GOV.UK: The new State Pension – GOV.UK
    • With uprating in effect, pensioners receiving the full basic State Pension will see their weekly payments rise from £169.50 to £176.45 per week, worth an additional £360 a year. In addition, the full rate of the new State Pension will increase from £221.20 to £230.25 per week, an increase of £470 a year.
    • People in receipt of Universal Credit and other benefits including Personal Independence Payments will see their payments increase by 1.7% with 5.7 million households on Universal Credit to gain £150 on average.
    • The minimum guarantee for Pension Credit – the minimum amount that someone on Pension Credit will receive – is also set to increase by 4.1% from 7 April. For single pensioners it will increase from £218.15 to £227.10. For couples it will increase from £332.95 to £346.60.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees banned once and for all

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees banned once and for all

    Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK.

    • Fake reviews and hidden fees that cost consumers £2.2bn every year now banned 
    • CMA takes on major new powers to directly enforce new consumer laws 
    • Changes will protect consumers and create a more level playing field for businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change 

    Outrageous fake reviews and sneaky hidden fees are now banned once and for all in a major win for consumers right across the UK. These laws will help deliver economic stability as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The new measures coming into force today will give the public control over their cash and save them money in the long run.

    All mandatory fees, such as admin fees or ticket booking fees, must now be included in the headline price and can’t be deceptively dripped in throughout the checkout process, to dupe customers into paying more than they originally bargained for.  

    The ban aims to bring to an end the shock that online shoppers get when they reach the end of their shopping experience only to find a raft of extra fees lumped on top. 

    So, for shoppers buying train tickets – they won’t be stung by a hidden booking fee at the end of the checkout. 

    When buying a takeaway, the delivery and admin fees must be clear at the start of the process.

    The same will apply to all online shopping experiences from concert tickets to trips to the cinema. 

    Every year a whopping £2.2 billion is spent by consumers on unavoidable hidden fees, which is why these new rules are coming into force.  

    Not only will it create greater transparency, but it will make it far easier for consumers to confidently compare products and services to make sure they are getting the best bang for their buck.  

    Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said:  

    From today consumers can confidently make purchases knowing they are protected against fake reviews and dripped pricing.  

    These changes will give consumers more power and control over their hard-earned cash, as well as help to establish a level playing field by deterring bad actors that undercut compliant businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of our Plan for Change. 

    Outlandish fake reviews will also be banned today – so customers know what they are buying when they shop online.

    The legislation will prevent punters turning up to a restaurant with 5-star reviews only to be served 1-star quality food. Or ordering a product online from a top-rated seller only to find it never turns up, or that when it does, it doesn’t look anything like it did in the picture, despite what previous buyers said. 

    Reviews were found to be used by 90% of consumers and contributed to the £217 billion spent in online retail markets in 2023, underscoring the importance of these new consumer protection laws. 

    New laws will also help prevent well-intentioned and compliant businesses from being under-cut by those seeking to catch out consumers with stealthy additional prices and fake reviews.  

    Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

    We will use these new provisions to safeguard people from harmful and unfair treatment, and to foster the level-playing field for the vast majority of businesses who want to do the right thing for their customers. We will be tackling the more egregious practices first and working hard to support businesses with compliance, conscious that – especially for small businesses – the burden of following the rules must be proportionate.

    This new consumer protection regime will be implemented by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in a way that is as simple as possible for smaller businesses to comply with.

    This government is committed to taking action to reduce unnecessary burdens on business, meaning that should any new rules be required, these will be as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate.

    Notes to editors 

    • Legislation only bans unavoidable hidden fees. Optional fees, such as airline seats and luggage upgrades for flights, are not included. 
    • Website hosts are accountable for the reviews on their page. Businesses and online platforms will be legally required to take steps to prevent and remove the publication of fake reviews that are published on their websites. This could include, for example, having adequate detection and removal procedures in place to prevent fake reviews being published.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wait times slashed for 80,000 thanks to boost in cancer detection

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Wait times slashed for 80,000 thanks to boost in cancer detection

    80,000 patients have received a quicker diagnosis or ruling out of cancer in 28 days between July 2024 and January 2025 compared to the previous year.

    • Government’s record £26 billion Budget investment into the NHS sees 80,000 more people having cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days
    • Bold action to resolve strikes, increase funding into the NHS and get more teams working out of hours has transformed delivery for patients
    • Cancer care at the heart of government plans to reform NHS through Plan for Change, with National Cancer Plan set to be published later this year

    80,000 patients across the country have faced shorter waits for life-changing cancer diagnoses as a result of the government’s record investment in our NHS to cut waiting times, latest figures show.

    The government’s Budget fixed the foundations of the economy to deliver a record £26 billion investment in our NHS to get it back on its feet and make it fit for the future as part of the Plan for Change. This investment, together with putting an end to industrial action, tackling waste and bringing in crucial reforms, are already transforming our NHS.

    That includes a new drive to offer more appointments out of hours – which directly attributed to over three quarters (76.1%) of patients receiving their cancer diagnosis or all clear within 28 days from July 2024 to January 2025, up from 71.8% 12 months earlier.

    As one of the biggest killers in the UK, it is vital that cancer patients get quick access to the testing they need. Faster diagnosis is linked to significantly improved cancer outcomes and means more patients can start treatment as quickly as possible.

    Today’s figures show a clear improvement in performance, demonstrating how proper investment, along with a plan to put patients first, delivers on the commitments promised by the government to slash waiting lists – putting an end to the misery for many people who have not received the cancer care they require.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This government made tough decisions at the Budget that put £26 billion into our NHS – and patients are already seeing the results.

    Too many cancer patients are facing agonisingly long waits for diagnosis and treatment. As a survivor, I know first hand just how important it is to receive timely diagnosis so treatment can begin as quickly as possible.

    We are on a mission to drive down waiting times and our Plan for Change is already getting patients seen and treated faster, with 80,000 more diagnosed or ruled out with cancer between July and January.

    This is just the start and we will continue driving fundamental reform of the NHS to ensure it is delivering for all patients once again.

    The government is delivering change working people can feel, with waiting lists cut by 193,000 since July – and alongside this, 2 million extra appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests also being delivered 7 months ahead of schedule.

    But the government is going further and faster. The recently published Elective Reform Plan also commits to going even further for patients, through opening more Community Diagnostic Centres, taking the total to over 170 this year across England.

    These sites will all be open for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week by March 2026, located in convenient places across the country to ensure patients have greater access to the tests, checks and scans they require. And on top of this, the government is also committing £1.5 billion to equip the health service with more surgical hubs and scanners to help catch more cancers earlier.

    The recently published NHS Planning Guidance has committed to getting a further 100,000 people diagnosed on time by March 2026, with the government on track to deliver this significantly ahead of schedule.

    With 2.8 million people expected to be living with cancer this year in England alone, improving outcomes for patients, including quicker diagnosis, is a key part of the government’s plans to cut waiting times and deliver fundamental NHS reform through the Plan for Change.  

    Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said:

    Providing rapid access to tests ensures that people with cancer can start treatment as soon as possible when it is most likely to be successful, and will help to put people’s minds at rest if they don’t have cancer, so it is an important step forward that thousands more patients each month are getting the all-clear or a diagnosis within 4 weeks.

    Thanks to the efforts of staff and NHS campaigns encouraging people to get worrying symptoms checked out or to take up our offer of screening, we are seeing more people coming forward than ever, and I encourage anyone who is overdue for a check or who has noticed changes in their body to contact their GP surgery as soon as possible so they can get checked.

    Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS highlighted that the rate of improvement for cancer survival slowed substantially during the 2010s, and the government has been steadfast in its commitment to improving outcomes for patients.

    Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:

    Waiting for answers can be an incredibly worrying period for anyone affected, so we welcome the government’s commitment to further cut waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment this year. 

    The UK government has the opportunity to improve things further and faster with their upcoming National Cancer Plan for England. More people are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before, and our health service needs a long term plan to be able to properly prepare and help people live longer, better lives.

    Eve Byrne, Director of National System Change at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

    We welcome these changes and the positive impact this will have on people living with cancer.   

    We are looking forward to working with the government to transform cancer care by developing the National Cancer Plan. This is an opportunity to make sure everybody in the UK can access world-class cancer care, whoever they are, wherever they may be based.

    Alongside the 10 Year Health Plan, the government will also publish its National Cancer Plan this year, with a call for evidence now live to encourage cancer experts, people living with cancer, and medical professionals to help shape its development.

    A new UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research is also being launched to provide coordination, target investment, and maximise opportunities for the UK to lead in clinical research. This will help to unlock innovation and growth. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary statement following the detention of two British MPs in Israel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Foreign Secretary statement following the detention of two British MPs in Israel

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has released a statement following the detention of two British MPs in Israel

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    It is unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning that two British MPs on a parliamentary delegation to Israel have been detained and refused entry by the Israeli authorities.

    I have made clear to my counterparts in the Israeli government that this is no way to treat British Parliamentarians, and we have been in contact with both MPs tonight to offer our support.

    The UK government’s focus remains securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages and end the conflict in Gaza.

    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 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Cobdogla

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are investigating a serious crash at Cobdogla earlier this morning.

    About 1.30am today (Sunday 6 April), police and emergency services were called to a private property on Spiller Road after reports a man had fallen from a Toyota Ute.

    Police arrived and found the front passenger a 20-year-old man from Golden Grove had sustained serious injuries.

    The man was air lifted to hospital with life threatening injuries.

    Major Crash are in attendance and the driver, a 21-year-old man from Waikerie is assisting with ongoing investigations.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash, Mount Direction

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Fatal crash, Mount Direction

    Sunday, 6 April 2025 – 7:47 am.

    Sadly, a man in his 20s has died following a serious crash at Mount Direction.
    Police and emergency services were called to Old Bangor Tram Road, Mount Direction, just after 2:00am on Sunday 6 March, following reports of a single vehicle crash.
    The passenger in the vehicle sadly died at the scene. The driver was taken to the Launceston General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
    Investigations into the crash are ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
    Police remain at the scene of the crash. Motorists should avoid the area until further notice.
    Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Easter holidays – Liverpool’s libraries have you covered

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    From an Easter egg hunt to shadow puppet workshops and storytelling sessions, there’s lots to do for all the family in and around Liverpool libraries during the Easter holidays.

    It wouldn’t be Easter without an egg hunt. Culture Liverpool has commissioned Positive Pathways to host a community day at St John’s Gardens on Thursday 17 April between 12-4pm. As well as a chance to win prizes in an egg hunt, there will be lots of activities going on in and around Central Library including Lego building, STEAM Engineers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) workshops and advice on weight control and diet for young people.

    Children can devise their own characters and stories and create their own puppets in a series of shadow puppetry workshops throughout the Easter holidays, culminating in a celebratory puppet showcase at Central Library on 10 May. The sessions take place on the following dates:

    • Tuesday 8 April 11am – 3pm at Wavertree Library
    • Wednesday 9 April 11am – 3pm at Norris Green Library
    • Thursday 10 April 11:30am – 3pm at Spellow Community Hub and Library
    • Friday 11 April 11am – 3pm at Sefton Park
    • Saturday 12 April 11am – 1pm at Birkenhead Library
    • Monday 14 April 2pm – 4pm at Huyton Library
    • Tuesday 15 April 11am- 12:15pm and 12:30 – 3pm at Prescot Library
    • Wednesday 16 April 11am – 1pm and 2 – 4pm at Halewood Library
    • Thursday 17 April 11am – 3pm at Fazakerley Community Federation & Library
    • Friday 18 April 11am – 3pm at Garston Library
    • Saturday 19 April 11am – 3pm at Allerton Library
    • Saturday 10 May 11am – 3pm Family Puppet Day at Liverpool Central Library

    The 11am – 3pm sessions will include a one-hour break with free healthy food provided. Email artgroupie@outlook.com to reserve a place.

    Storytelling sessions include:

    • Tuesday 8 April – Jude Lennon reading Little Lamb Tales throughout the day at Central Library. Perfect for ages 3-10.
    • Thursday 10 April Tina Freeman running Alice in Wonderland themed stories and crafts 10.30 – 3pm at Central Library.
    • Tuesday 15 April – Ma Bailey story sessions 10.30am – 2.30pm and 1.30 – 4pm at Central Library.
    • Saturday 19 April – Author Angela Ackah-McIntyre will deliver an interactive book-reading session based on her children’s fun fantasy adventure book Efua’s Magic Stew 1 – 4pm at Central Library.

    For theatre lovers, there are two exhibitions running until the end of the month at Central Library: Lights Up on Liverpool in the Hornby Library and Liverpool Empire Theatre 100 in the third-floor archive. The former, a partnership between ArtsGroupie CIC and Liverpool Libraries and Information Services, spotlights Liverpool’s groundbreaking, radical and experimental approaches to theatre and is a response to the decreasing number of working-class professionals in the performing arts. The latter, a collaboration between the theatre and the Liverpool Record Office and Archives, features photographs and artefacts – including programmes, tickets, letters, visitor books, flyers and architect plans – which tell the story of the Grade II listed Lime Street landmark.

    Other exhibitions at Central Library include Electrification of the Liverpool and Southport Railway Line in March 1904, a display of illustrations of the original four-car electric train sets and Liverpool Olympia 120, a display of illustrations of the stage machinery, circus ring and lake, and some programme covers marking the anniversary of the opening of Liverpool Olympia, West Derby Road, on 24 April 1905. The former closes on 22 April and the latter opens on 23 April.

    For more information about what’s on in Liverpool libraries, visit the libraries pages on Liverpool City Council’s website.  

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
    “Keeping the kids entertained over the school holidays can be hard work – and expensive – so we have programmed lots of participatory arts projects, which can help young people develop self-confidence, empathy and social skills.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: VE Day 80 street party applications open

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    Liverpool City Council is waiving road closure fees for residents who want to hold street parties between Thursday 8 May and Sunday 11 May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

    The Government is encouraging communities around the country to host their own street or home celebrations – with flags and bunting, games, fancy dress, music and dance.

    To help communities get their street party planning under way, the Council is asking organisers to fill in a special online form which can then start the process of getting all the relevant permissions in place.

    The Council normally charges around £3,000 to shut a road, but is making an exception for VE Day events – and will also supply road closure signage and any traffic management cones to be located in and around the area.

    Any resident who is considering hosting a street party just needs to meet some simple criteria:

    The event must be:

    • Organised and funded by the applicant
    • In a residential road
    • The organiser must pay for public liability insurance worth up to £1 million
    • Most residents in a street must agree to the event
    • A Temporary Events Notice is needed if alcohol is to be sold

    Please note: major roads and key bus routes cannot be closed, so please bear that in mind when submitting requests.

    To express an interest in hosting a party, an online form found on the council’s street party page must be submitted. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 30 April. Full information can be found at www.liverpool.gov.uk/streetparties.

    Other events in Liverpool to mark VE Day include:

    Sunday 4 May
    Beating Retreat on Castle Street in the city centre at 1pm
    A full 50-piece band comprising the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums accompanied by The Scot Guards Association Pipes & Drums, the Wirral Pipe Band and the 103 Artillery Pipes and Drums will perform a selection of tunes, and the Liverpool Town Hall balcony will be dressed with red, white and blue banners.

    Thursday 8 May
    Let the Nation’s Bells Ring Loud at 6:30pm
    The bells at Liverpool’s two Cathedrals and Liverpool Parish Church will lead churches across the city in ringing out as part of the nation’s “Together We Chime” VE80 initiative.

    Illuminated civic buildings
    Key civic buildings across the city including St George’s Hall and Cunard Building will be illuminated in red, white, and blue in the evening.

    Beacon Lighting on Exchange Flags at 9.30pm
    In a moment of national unity, four beacons behind Liverpool Town Hall will be lit as a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance accompanied by civic dignitary speeches and a lone piper. The four beacons will be positioned in locations that mirror the four bunker walls that still sit under the site today. This space was key for operations during WWII, and air for the bunker was provided via a ventilation shaft built into the Nelson Monument on the site.

    Thursday 8 May – Sunday 11 May
    Western Approaches Museum from 10am – 6pm
    To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day there will be celebrations, talks, singing and games at the former headquarters for the Battle of the Atlantic – and entry for children is only £1.

    Sunday 11 May
    Service at Liverpool Parish Church
    A special VE Day Service will take place at St Nicholas’ Church, providing invited guests a time to reflect and honour those who served and those who continue to serve.

    Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: “We’re doing our best to make it as easy as possible for people to hold street parties, and I would encourage communities to get involved in marking this historic anniversary.

    “The series of events during the week will give people an opportunity to reflect on the significance of what happened eight decades ago.”

    Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp, said: “VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.

    “It is vital that we never forget the sacrifices that were made by so many people in our city during World War II that eventually led to Victory in Europe.”

    Guy Lewinsohn, CEO, Ashtrom Properties, which owns Exchange Flags, said: “Exchange Flags is honoured to play a key role in Liverpool’s 80th VE Day celebrations by hosting the lighting of the beacons. As a site which is routed in wartime history and home to the Western Approaches Command Headquarters, where vital naval operations were led against the German U-boat threat, Exchange Flags holds a strong connection to the legacy of VE Day.

    “With our courtyard facing Liverpool Town Hall and the square housing the iconic Nelson Monument, this location serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom. As the owners of this prestigious Grade A commercial office scheme, we are proud to commemorate this historic milestone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wavertree Academy secures Government funding for September opening

    Source: City of Liverpool

    King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree, a non-selective free school, is set to open in September following confirmation from the Department for Education that it is entering into a funding agreement.

    The Secretary of State for Education has agreed that the multi-academy trust, the Great Schools Trust, can open the school with its first cohort of 210 year 7 students. The school will eventually provide 1050 places for students aged 11 to 16.

    A planning application has now been submitted to Liverpool City Council by the Department for Education (DfE) for students to use modern purpose-built temporary classrooms when the school opens in September.

    This is adjacent to the former office building of computer game company Sony, located on Wavertree Technology Park, where the new school will be built. It is projected that the new school building will open in 2028.

    Benjamin Barker, Principal of King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree, said: “We are delighted to have the funding agreement in place. When the new building is complete, it will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities and be a fantastic learning environment for our students.

    “Since announcing our intention to open the co-educational King’s Wavertree, there has been strong interest and support from the local community and across the city.

    “We are now focused on letting the 210 parents who have an offer of a place at the school know the good news so we can start preparing to welcome our first cohort of pioneering students in September.”

    Shane Ierston, Chief Executive of the Great Schools Trust, added: “The agreement with the DfE to move forward with King’s Wavertree is a landmark day for our multi-academy trust. It also offers families of all faiths a broader choice to access high-quality secondary education for their child.

    “Our trust is built on our core ASPIRE values and King’s Wavertree will have an unwavering commitment to providing every child with the tools and skills to achieve their full potential and thrive in an ever-changing world.”

    King’s Wavertree is the fifth secondary school in the Great Schools Trust. In Merseyside, the Trust has two secondary schools: King’s Liverpool in Dingle and King’s Hawthornes in Bootle, rated as “Good” by Ofsted.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anfield landlord fined for HMO breaches

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A landlord has been hit with a bill of more than £16,000 for multiple disrepair and other issues at an HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) property in Anfield.

    Patrick Duggan, of 34 Arkles Lane, L4 2SP, was found guilty of breaching HMO Management Regulations and HMO licensing conditions at Sefton Magistrates’ Court on 25 March.

    Liverpool City Council’s Private Sector Housing team inspected the Arkles Lane property in 2023, identifying numerous breaches of The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

    These include issues with fire safety, structural defects with the boundary wall and multiple disrepair issues including damp and mould.

    Mr Duggan also failed to provide relevant documentation within a specified timeframe to the Council, in breach of HMO licensing conditions.

    Following a trial in January, where a magistrates’ bench reviewed the facts of the case and heard evidence, District Judge James Clark sentenced Mr Duggan after he was found guilty by the bench of 12 charges.

    District Judge Clark commented that Mr Duggan did have mechanisms in place with respect to the management of the building, but that they were ultimately insufficient.

    The property is no longer rented out.

    It is the latest case to be brought to court by Liverpool City Council. In 2024, a total of 33 prosecutions and fines worth £342,584 were secured, and a further 11 Civil Penalty Notices were issued, with fines totalling £59,862.

    Liverpool City Council’s Private Sector Housing team inspected the Arkles Lane property in 2023, identifying numerous breaches of The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

    These include issues with fire safety, structural defects with the boundary wall and multiple disrepair issues including damp and mould.

    Mr Duggan also failed to provide relevant documentation within a specified timeframe to the Council, in breach of HMO licensing conditions.

    Following a trial in January, where a magistrates’ bench reviewed the facts of the case and heard evidence, District Judge James Clark sentenced Mr Duggan after he was found guilty by the bench of 12 charges.

    District Judge Clark commented that Mr Duggan did have mechanisms in place with respect to the management of the building, but that they were ultimately insufficient.

    The property is no longer rented out.

    Councillor Sam East, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Every tenant deserves to live in a property that is safe and warm, and this house was neither.

    “We want to work with landlords to help them meet the conditions of their license, but where they won’t we will take enforcement action, including taking cases to court if necessary.

    “This property really was not fit for human habitation so I am pleased that it is no longer being offered for rent.

    “If people are concerned about breaches of HMO or landlord licensing conditions, or believe a house does not have a licence when it should do, they should let us know via our website.”

    To report poor property conditions or anti-social behaviour from a rental property, email privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk or report it online.

    For advice and to hear how to report anti-social behaviour, click here.

    To report fly-tipping, click here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Macron of France: 5 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM call with President Macron of France: 5 April 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke with President Macron following this week’s announcement that the US will impose additional tariffs.

    They agreed that a trade war was in nobody’s interests, but nothing should be off the table and that it was important to keep business updated on developments.

    The Prime Minister and President also shared their concerns about the global economic and security impact, particularly in South East Asia.

    Following discussions between military planners in Ukraine this week, they discussed the good progress that has been made on the Coalition of the Willing.

    The Prime Minister and President agreed to stay in close contact over the coming weeks.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coalition of the Willing Military Chiefs in Ukraine ahead of crucial meetings next week

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Coalition of the Willing Military Chiefs in Ukraine ahead of crucial meetings next week

    As part of the UK’s leading efforts to build a Coalition of the Willing to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.

    • UK continues to lead international efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.
    • Defence chiefs meet in Kyiv to coordinate military planning of multinational force to deter future Russian aggression.
    • Visit comes as Defence Secretary John Healey prepares to host meetings of defence ministers in Brussels.

    As part of the UK’s leading efforts to build a Coalition of the Willing to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.  

    The meetings focused on how to build on Ukraine’s current capabilities to put the country in the strongest possible position for the future.

    The Defence Chiefs addressed the structure, size and composition required of any future reassurance force in Ukraine. With 30 countries expected to contribute to the Coalition, the UK’s leadership has been critical in pulling together partners and allies around the world.

    Discussions will continue this coming week as the Defence Secretary hosts the next meeting of Coalition of the Willing defence ministers in Brussels with his French counterpart on Thursday and chairs the Ukraine Defence Contact Group with his German counterpart on Friday.

    The UK and France will convene defence ministers from coalition nations to discuss the next stages of planning to support the security arrangements which will be needed to prevent any further Russian aggression. Discussions will build on the military planning that has taken place over the last few weeks with nations looking at contributing their own capabilities to support any future force.

    Meanwhile, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group will bring together around 50 nations to drive forward additional military support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian attacks. The UK convened and chaired the UDCG for the first time in February, with 46 nations in attendance, raising extra 1.5billon Euros in military aid for Ukraine.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Our coalition of nations, working at pace and willing to stand with Ukraine for the long-term, is a stark contrast to Russia who stand alone with only North Korea for a friend.

    As Putin prevaricates over a ceasefire, we will continue to ramp up our military planning, exploring the air, sea and land forces that could support a lasting peace in Ukraine.

    However, we will not jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war. That’s why in the week ahead we will also convene the Ukraine Defence Contact Group to supply Ukraine with the military equipment they need to put them in the strongest possible position as they fight back brutal continuing Russian attacks.

    The Chief of the Defence Staff’s visit follows a series of high-level engagements hosted in both Paris and London in the past month, with the Prime Minister travelling to Paris and hosting leaders in London and the Defence Secretary conducting simultaneous visits to France as well as joining an operational planning meeting alongside the Prime Minister at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ). 

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    The UK is ironclad in our support for Ukraine, which is why we’re stepping up for a just and lasting peace. 

    Our meetings looked at how we can build on the formidable capabilities of the Ukrainian Army and put them in the strongest possible position to deter Russian aggression.

    I am encouraged by the strength of unity we’ve seen between our European and international allies.

    This work delivers on the Prime Minister’s four-point plan to support Ukraine by ramping up delivery of weapons and equipment, boosting Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the long term, working with allies to develop robust security assurances, and keeping up pressure on Putin. 

    The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.

    The Defence Secretary has been clear that supporting Ukraine is vital to the security of stability of Europe, which is essential to the UK economy. The UK’s national security is a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change.

    Last month, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6bn deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine in a boost for UK jobs and growth. The Chancellor also announced a £2.26 billion loan to bolster Ukrainian defence capabilities from frozen Russian assets.

    The MOD has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with a new £150 million package including drones, tanks and air defence systems announced on 12 February 2025, a £225 million package including drones, boats and munitions announced on 19 December 2024, and 650 lightweight multirole missiles announced on 6 September 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Consumers are boycotting US goods around the world. Should Trump be worried?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Bradshaw, Professor of Marketing, Royal Holloway University of London

    US alcohol has been removed from sale in the Canadian province of British Columbia. lenic/Shutterstock

    As politicians around the world scramble to respond to US “liberation day” tariffs, consumers have also begun flexing their muscles. “Boycott USA” messages and searches have been trending on social media and search engines, with users sharing advice on brands and products to avoid.

    Even before Donald Trump announced across-the-board tariffs, there had been protests and attacks on the president’s golf courses in Doonbeg in Ireland and Turnberry in Scotland in response to other policies. And in Canada, shoppers avoided US goods after Trump announced he could take over his northern neighbour.

    His close ally Elon Musk has seen protests at Tesla showrooms across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. New cars have been set on fire as part of the “Tesla take-down”, while Tesla sales have been on a deep downward trend. This has been especially noticeable in European countries where electric vehicles sales have been high, and in Australia.

    This targeting of Trump and Musk’s brands are part of wider boycotts of US goods as consumers look for ways to express their anger at the US administration.

    Denmark’s biggest retailer, Salling Group, has given the price label of all European products a black star, making it easy for customers to avoid US goods.

    Canadian shoppers are turning US products upside down in retail outlets so it’s easier for fellow shoppers to spot and avoid them. Canadian consumers can also download the Maple Scan app that checks barcodes to see if their grocery purchases are actually Canadian or have parent companies from the USA.

    Who owns what?

    The issue of ostensibly Canadian brands being owned by US capital illustrates the complexity of consumer boycotts – it can be difficult to identify which brands are American and which are not.

    In the UK, for example, many consumers would be surprised to learn how many famous British brands are actually American-owned – for example, Cadbury, Waterstones and Boots. So entwined are global economies that attempts by consumers to boycott US brands may also damage their local economies.

    This complexity is also present in Danish and Canadian Facebook groups that are dedicated to boycotting US goods. Consumers exchange tips on how to swap alternatives for American products.

    The fact that Facebook is a US-based company only demonstrates how deeply embedded consumer culture is in US technologies. European businesses often depend on American operating systems and cloud storage while consumers rely on US-owned social media platforms for communication.

    Even when consumers succeed in weeding out American products, if they pay using Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay, a percentage of the price will nonetheless be rerouted to the US. If a touch payment is made with Worldpay, the percentage could be even greater.

    These American financial services show just how embedded US businesses are in retail in ways that consumers may not appreciate. In practice, an absolute boycott of US business is almost unimaginable.

    All-American brands

    But American branding is not always subtle. In addition to brands directly connected to the US administration – such as the Trump golf courses and Tesla – many other companies have always been flamboyantly American. Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Budweiser are just some examples where their American identities and proudly on show.

    As such, it’s possible that consumers will increasingly avoid blatantly American brands. They may be less concerned about the complexities and contradictions of a more comprehensive boycott.

    Consumer actions where the goal is political change are known as “proxy boycotts” because no particular company is the ultimate target. Rather, the brands and firms are targeted by consumers as a means to an end.

    Do boycotts work?

    A classic example of a proxy boycott took aim at French goods, particularly wine, in the mid-1990s. This was in response to president Jacques Chirac’s decision to conduct nuclear tests in the Pacific. The large-scale consumer boycotts contributed to France’s decision to abandon its nuclear tests in 1996.

    In Britain, for example, French wines in all categories lost market share as demand fell during the boycott. At the time, it cost the French wine sector £23 million (about £46 million today).

    These boycotts are a reminder that the interplay between corporations, brands and consumer culture are inevitably embedded in politics. The current political impasse demonstrates that consumers can participate in politics, not just with their votes, but also with their buying power.

    Trump clearly wants to demonstrate American strength. The “liberation day” tariffs, which were higher than most observers expected, bear this out. But many US corporations will now be worrying about how consumers in the US and around the world might respond. Trump could see a mass mobilisation of consumer power in ways that will give the president something to think about.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Consumers are boycotting US goods around the world. Should Trump be worried? – https://theconversation.com/consumers-are-boycotting-us-goods-around-the-world-should-trump-be-worried-253389

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time

    England’s trees outside woodlands have been mapped by satellite and laser are freely available for first time revealing they make up 30% of nation’s tree cover.

    Street Trees. Credit: Forestry Commission

    • Some of the most iconic trees in our landscape highlighted in unique survey.
    • Mapping will help to accurately identify locations of nature depletion and allow for more targeted tree planting

    England’s non-woodland trees have been mapped for first time, revealing these trees make up nearly third of our nation’s tree cover.  

    Using one of the very latest methods of laser detection and satellite imagery, the country’s top tree scientists at the UK Government’s Forest Research agency built a comprehensive picture of non-woodland trees across England. 

    The innovative map goes live today (Saturday 5 April). 

    By providing a better national picture, the groundbreaking map will allow conservation groups and local authorities to target tree planting efforts more accurately. The map can pinpoint lone trees that could be connected to nearby wooded areas to create better habitat for wildlife in support of the Government’s manifesto commitment to expand nature-rich habitats and help achieve our legal target to increase England’s woodland canopy to 16.5%. 

    Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said:  

    Our precious street trees improve air quality, mark the changing seasons and provide us with peace, shade and joy. Their value simply cannot be overstated.

    “This groundbreaking new tree census will not only help us better understand our current tree canopy cover, but allow us to identify areas where we can create more nature rich habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy as part of our Plan for Change” 

    Sir William Worsley, Chair of Forestry Commission said: 

    “This has been a real endeavour by the team – the results are spectacular and will be invaluable to us as we strive to meet our legal target to increase tree planting cover. 

    “The map fills critical data gaps about our national tree assets, helping us understand this natural resource and the benefits it brings, including carbon storage. Many people – from citizens to governments – will use the map to make evidence-based decisions to improve management and protection of our trees.” 

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:    

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:    

    “This is an exciting moment. By using a combination of aerial and satellite technology, we have been able to locate and measure all trees outside of woodland (TOW) for the first time. By combining the National Forest Inventory woodland map and the TOW map we have a complete picture of tree canopy in England.  

    “We used laser technology mounted on planes and images of the Earth’s surface captured by satellites to identify tree canopy cover across the breadth of the country. This will be vital in informing future tree-planting and monitoring.”

    Trees outside woodlands are defined as single trees in urban and rural areas and are some of the most iconic trees in our landscape, ranging from sprawling tree-lined hedgerows to the much-loved trees on our streets and in our parks.  These trees play an important role in storing carbon, regulating temperatures, and mitigating against the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and over-heating of our towns and cities. They also have a huge role in improving health and wellbeing – not least by reducing the impacts of air pollution. 

    The project is funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The government is committed to turbocharging nature’s recovery and the launch of the new map is the latest step to improve nature and tree-planting across our communities as part of the Plan for Change.  This follows recent announcements on a new national forest, increasing timber in construction to boost forestry and  sustainable housebuilding , and the establishment of a dedicated tree-planting taskforce. The government has also recently announced up to £400 million for trees and peat, as part of the Nature for Climate Fund. 

    The map is fully automated thanks to its use of spatial datasets and can be updated regularly to capture changes in tree canopy cover. For more information, visit Trees Outside Woodland Map – Forest Research. The map can be viewed online on the NCEA ArcGIS Online web portal (Trees Outside Woodland), and is free to download from the Forestry Commission open data download website National Trees Outside Woodland Map.

    Additional Information: 

    • Forest Research is Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research and is internationally renowned for the provision of evidence and scientific services in support of sustainable forestry.
    • The map is derived from LIDAR data from 2016 to 2022 and satellite data from 2021 to 2024. It is therefore not fully representative of trees in 2025.
    • The map is based on remote sensing, data analysis and algorithmic prediction combined with expert calibration, meaning an algorithm has predicted which of the features on the input data were trees. The feature detection accuracy of trees outside woodlands is 95%.
    • The data set was derived from the Vegetation Object Model (VOM) LIDAR Vegetation Object Model (VOM), The National Lidar Survey (National LIDAR Programme – data.gov.uk), and Sentinel-2 (Sentinel-2 – Sentinel Online) imagery using spatial algorithms.
    • The map will also be available via open web services from Defra’s Data Services Platform (DSP) later this month.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –