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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Ja Mining Secures $17M to Expand Global Green Mining Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ja Mining, a long-standing player in the blockchain infrastructure space, has announced the successful closure of a $17 million Series A funding round. The funding, contributed by multiple institutional investors with experience in blockchain and sustainable energy, will be used to expand Ja Mining’s renewable-powered cloud mining operations across North America, Europe, and Asia.

    The raise comes at a critical time for the crypto infrastructure sector, as institutional and retail participation continues to grow amidst rising demand for energy-efficient, secure, and automated solutions. This latest investment round underscores investor confidence in Ja Mining’s long-term strategy to deliver accessible, AI-powered mining capabilities with reduced environmental impact.

    According to a recent Yahoo Finance article, industry leaders are increasingly aligning with renewable energy providers to power large-scale mining operations, signaling a broader shift toward sustainable practices. Ja Mining’s new funding directly supports this trend by enabling the expansion of its green energy data centers powered by hydropower and wind energy.

    “Sustainable mining is no longer an ideal—it’s a requirement,” said JA Mining spokesperson at Ja Mining. “This Series A financing enables us to scale infrastructure that aligns with both global energy goals and the demand for secure, intelligent blockchain access.”

    AI Integration for Smarter Mining Operations

    A portion of the capital will be allocated to the development and integration of artificial intelligence tools to optimize Ja Mining’s internal systems. These enhancements are expected to dynamically manage computing resources, forecast optimal block validation times, and reduce energy usage across distributed mining centers.

    The AI-driven improvements are also projected to increase platform efficiency and enhance user yields by up to 20%, offering more predictable returns within a volatile asset class. These capabilities are particularly relevant in today’s market, where cloud mining has evolved from a speculative trend to a strategic asset infrastructure for passive income generation.

    Expansion of Renewable Energy Infrastructure

    The remainder of the funds will be directed toward upgrading and launching new data centers in strategic global locations, including Canada, Northern Europe, and Southeast Asia. All new facilities will operate on renewable sources and feature automated systems to monitor, manage, and secure operations in real time.

    These infrastructure investments mirror industry momentum. In 2025 alone, cloud mining adoption has risen by over 28%, and more than 60% of new mining facilities worldwide have committed to some form of renewable energy usage, according to sector-wide data.

    “This funding validates our commitment to providing both environmental responsibility and operational integrity,” added a spokesperson. “We’re not just expanding capacity—we’re building next-generation infrastructure for the decentralised economy.”

    From Legacy to Next-Gen

    Ja Mining’s roots stretch back to 2004 in broader financial infrastructure development, with a transition into blockchain operations beginning in 2009. The company has since evolved into a global cloud mining provider with a focus on transparency, energy efficiency, and hands-free participation.

    The upgraded platform aims to welcome a new wave of users, especially those seeking alternatives to traditional crypto investments. By removing the need for hardware procurement, maintenance, and technical know-how, Ja Mining provides a simplified path to blockchain income generation while remaining compliant with data protection and environmental standards.

    About Ja Mining

    Ja Mining is a global cloud mining platform committed to delivering secure, efficient, and eco-conscious blockchain access through renewable-powered infrastructure. Combining automation, AI integration, and sustainability, Ja Mining enables global users to participate in the digital asset ecosystem without the complexity of traditional mining models.

    For more information, visit: https://jamining.com

    Media Contact
    Name: Anna W Hitchens
    Email: info@jamining.com
    Phone: +44 7751696528
    Website: www.jamining.com
    Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

    Download App:https://jamining.io/jamining/

    Company Address: JA Financial Services Limited, 11 The Elms, Leek Wootton, Warwick, England, CV35 7RR, London, UK

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ja Mining Secures $17M to Expand Global Green Mining Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ja Mining, a long-standing player in the blockchain infrastructure space, has announced the successful closure of a $17 million Series A funding round. The funding, contributed by multiple institutional investors with experience in blockchain and sustainable energy, will be used to expand Ja Mining’s renewable-powered cloud mining operations across North America, Europe, and Asia.

    The raise comes at a critical time for the crypto infrastructure sector, as institutional and retail participation continues to grow amidst rising demand for energy-efficient, secure, and automated solutions. This latest investment round underscores investor confidence in Ja Mining’s long-term strategy to deliver accessible, AI-powered mining capabilities with reduced environmental impact.

    According to a recent Yahoo Finance article, industry leaders are increasingly aligning with renewable energy providers to power large-scale mining operations, signaling a broader shift toward sustainable practices. Ja Mining’s new funding directly supports this trend by enabling the expansion of its green energy data centers powered by hydropower and wind energy.

    “Sustainable mining is no longer an ideal—it’s a requirement,” said JA Mining spokesperson at Ja Mining. “This Series A financing enables us to scale infrastructure that aligns with both global energy goals and the demand for secure, intelligent blockchain access.”

    AI Integration for Smarter Mining Operations

    A portion of the capital will be allocated to the development and integration of artificial intelligence tools to optimize Ja Mining’s internal systems. These enhancements are expected to dynamically manage computing resources, forecast optimal block validation times, and reduce energy usage across distributed mining centers.

    The AI-driven improvements are also projected to increase platform efficiency and enhance user yields by up to 20%, offering more predictable returns within a volatile asset class. These capabilities are particularly relevant in today’s market, where cloud mining has evolved from a speculative trend to a strategic asset infrastructure for passive income generation.

    Expansion of Renewable Energy Infrastructure

    The remainder of the funds will be directed toward upgrading and launching new data centers in strategic global locations, including Canada, Northern Europe, and Southeast Asia. All new facilities will operate on renewable sources and feature automated systems to monitor, manage, and secure operations in real time.

    These infrastructure investments mirror industry momentum. In 2025 alone, cloud mining adoption has risen by over 28%, and more than 60% of new mining facilities worldwide have committed to some form of renewable energy usage, according to sector-wide data.

    “This funding validates our commitment to providing both environmental responsibility and operational integrity,” added a spokesperson. “We’re not just expanding capacity—we’re building next-generation infrastructure for the decentralised economy.”

    From Legacy to Next-Gen

    Ja Mining’s roots stretch back to 2004 in broader financial infrastructure development, with a transition into blockchain operations beginning in 2009. The company has since evolved into a global cloud mining provider with a focus on transparency, energy efficiency, and hands-free participation.

    The upgraded platform aims to welcome a new wave of users, especially those seeking alternatives to traditional crypto investments. By removing the need for hardware procurement, maintenance, and technical know-how, Ja Mining provides a simplified path to blockchain income generation while remaining compliant with data protection and environmental standards.

    About Ja Mining

    Ja Mining is a global cloud mining platform committed to delivering secure, efficient, and eco-conscious blockchain access through renewable-powered infrastructure. Combining automation, AI integration, and sustainability, Ja Mining enables global users to participate in the digital asset ecosystem without the complexity of traditional mining models.

    For more information, visit: https://jamining.com

    Media Contact
    Name: Anna W Hitchens
    Email: info@jamining.com
    Phone: +44 7751696528
    Website: www.jamining.com
    Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

    Download App:https://jamining.io/jamining/

    Company Address: JA Financial Services Limited, 11 The Elms, Leek Wootton, Warwick, England, CV35 7RR, London, UK

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Treaty between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany on friendship and bilateral cooperation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Treaty between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany on friendship and bilateral cooperation

    Treaty between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany on friendship and bilateral cooperation

    The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”,

    Guided by the desire to join forces for a prosperous, secure and sustainable future for their citizens and their open, democratic societies in the face of fundamental changes of the geopolitical environment;

    Inspired by a common will to address the momentous new challenges to Euro-Atlantic security in an era characterised by increased strategic competition, challenges to the rules-based international order and challenges to their democracies from increasing hybrid threats;

    Identifying the Russian Federation’s brutal war of aggression on the European continent as the most significant and direct threat to their security;

    Convinced that they will better master these challenges by deepening their close cooperation as European neighbours and allies on the basis of the strong ties that connect their countries, peoples and governments and their shared history, values and interests;

    Determined to join forces to assert these values and interests in close cooperation in a changing world, and to uphold peace and security for their citizens; convinced of the need to pursue a broad, integrated and multifaceted approach to their security;

    Guided by their steadfast commitment to individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in open societies, and by their will to work together for the good of the European continent and of an international order based on shared rules, norms and principles;

    Convinced that prosperity and security can only be guaranteed by limiting the increase of global average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and conserving biodiversity and ecosystems; recognising the importance of their free and open market economies and of delivering mutual growth, including through their trade and investment relationship, to provide high-quality jobs to their citizens and underpin their prosperity while ensuring growth aligns with their net zero commitments and a just transition;

    Convinced of the imperative of international cooperation to seize the opportunities and mitigate the risks of technological change; reaffirming the critical role that science, innovation and technology as well as education play in contributing to their collective security and their sustainable economic growth and prosperity, and recognising the value of building cooperation in critical areas of science and technology that will shape their futures;

    Recalling the Federal Republic of Germany’s membership in the European Union and the commitments and obligations resulting therefrom; and the legal framework for the relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland underpinned by the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement; sharing the view that their cooperation is consistent with and benefits from the wider relationship of the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and that a positive development of the latter is in their shared interest;

    Reaffirming their ironclad commitment to the Transatlantic Alliance as the bedrock of their security, based on shared values, and a shared commitment to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area, and underpinned by enhanced European contributions;

    Commending the Agreement on Defence cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, signed at Trinity House in London on 23 October 2024;

    Mindful of the vital role, specific responsibilities and interests of municipalities, the German Länder, the German Bundestag and Bundesrat in the Federal Republic of Germany, and of the devolved governments, Parliaments and legislative assemblies and the Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,

    HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

    Chapter 1

    Diplomacy, Security and Development

    ARTICLE 1

    • The Parties shall consult each other on foreign and security policy matters to enable the closest cooperation across all shared priorities. They shall work together on their respective policies and seek to establish joint approaches, including with regard to their collaboration with global partners and in multilateral and other settings.

    • The Parties shall pursue deep exchanges on strategic aspects of security policy, including deterrence and defence, nuclear issues, arms control, non-proliferation, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear threats space security, counter-terrorism and the broader international security architecture, in order to support the security of Europe and the world. They shall increase cooperation on intelligence and national security capabilities in order to contribute effectively to this goal.

    • The Parties shall deepen their cooperation to understand, counter and respond to threats and hostile actions by state and non-state actors. The Parties shall work together on their approaches to crisis management, consular support and conflict resolution and prevention.

    • The Parties emphasise the importance of close cooperation on sanctions policy and implementation, to strengthen their effectiveness.

    • Foreign Ministers shall hold an annual Strategic Dialogue. A Senior Level Officials Group shall meet annually to coordinate foreign, security and defence policy.

    ARTICLE 2

    • The Parties shall strive to strengthen the Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the European Union, including through the Security and Defence Partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Federal Republic of Germany affirms its deep and unwavering commitment to its role as a founding member of the European Union, which remains a foundation of its policy decisions.

    • The Parties shall seek to intensify the trilateral cooperation with the French Republic, as well as their cooperation with other partners, and within multilateral formats such as the G7 and the United Nations, in order to jointly address international challenges.

    ARTICLE 3

     (1) The Parties reaffirm their commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as the foundation of their collective defence and to their obligations as stipulated in the North Atlantic Treaty of 4 April 1949, in particular Article 5. The Federal Republic of Germany reaffirms its deep commitment to its obligations as a member of the European Union, including paragraph 7 of Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union.

    (2) The Parties shall work together as North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Allies to ensure the Alliance continues to strengthen collective deterrence and defence against all threats and from all directions and to enhance the European contribution to Europe’s own security. To this end, they shall coordinate their positions, including in the area of deterrence and defence, and ensure that increased contributions and investments deliver on their commitments. They commit to working towards fostering close and effective cooperation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the European Union.

    • Conscious of the close alignment of their vital interests and convinced that there is no strategic threat to one which would not be a strategic threat to the other, the Parties affirm as close Allies their deep commitment to each other’s defence and shall assist one another, including by military means, in case of an armed attack on the other.

    ARTICLE 4

    (1) The Parties share deep concern at the threats and challenges posed by hybrid threats and foreign interference from state actors and their proxies using increasingly aggressive actions to undermine their security and democratic values, and those of their Allies and partners. These include inter alia sabotage, malicious cyber activity, foreign information manipulation and interference and the malign use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

    (2) The Parties shall work to strengthen resilience as well as build capacity and capability to detect, deter, disrupt, and respond to these threats. They acknowledge the key roles of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the G7, and the European Union in this regard. To achieve this, the Parties shall consider means such as information sharing, the development of tools, coordination of disruption and response options, and exchanges of lessons learned and other means.

    (3) The Parties shall continue to cooperate in the field of cyber diplomacy, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. They also agree to promote responsible behaviour in cyberspace.  

    ARTICLE 5

    Guided by the principles of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Parties shall cooperate strategically on sustainable development, crisis prevention and response, peacebuilding, stabilisation and humanitarian assistance. They shall support strong coordination in the nexus between humanitarian, development and peace efforts. They shall work together on the protection and promotion of global public goods including climate, biodiversity, global health and education. Jointly they shall fight inequalities worldwide, including through the empowerment of women and girls. They will work together on anticipatory action to improve local resilience and promote inclusive and locally led responses to crises. Both countries shall contribute jointly to strengthening and reforming the multilateral system and the international financial architecture, making them more just, effective and sustainable and ensuring they deliver for the most vulnerable. They shall hold a regular intergovernmental dialogue on these topics.

    ARTICLE 6

    The Parties shall seek closer collaboration to address health threats and advance global health priorities including pandemic prevention, preparedness and response as well as anti-microbial resistance and the ‘One-Health’ approach. They shall work on these issues both bilaterally and via more coordinated, effective, and efficient global health institutions. The Parties shall share experiences to tackle common domestic health issues.

    Chapter 2

    Defence Cooperation

    ARTICLE 7

    (1) In this new era for enhanced European defence, the Parties share the strategic objective to reinforce Euro-Atlantic security and ensure effective deterrence against potential aggressors by building credible, resilient defence forces, strengthening their capability across all domains. The Parties shall seek to support their defence industries and enhance bilateral military interoperability, interchangeability and integration. They shall ensure their mutual support to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, committing to working together towards the vision of a peaceful and secure Euro-Atlantic area.

    (2) The Parties remain committed to improving and further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. They shall build a long-term partnership to improve and further enhance European defence, also with a view to enabling enhanced cooperation with Allies and partners.

    (3) The Parties shall intensify their cooperation through joint political leadership, enhanced dialogue, and agreed mechanisms. They shall deepen their cooperation on deterrence and regularly review their collaboration in order to meet future threats across all domains: Land, Sea, Air, Space and Cyber.

    (4) Sharing a special interest and focus on the northern and eastern flanks of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the Parties shall work together, alongside their North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Allies, to strengthen deterrence and defence to these areas, coordinating their forces where possible.

    (5) The Parties reaffirm their determination to meet their commitments as North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Allies, to be prepared for high-intensity and multi-domain collective defence. They shall provide such forces, capabilities, resources and infrastructure as are needed to enable the execution of the Defence Plans of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

    (6) The Parties shall seek to enhance industrial and capability cooperation through a long-term joint approach endeavouring to deliver effective military capabilities efficiently, minimising national constraints, and strengthening industrial competitiveness.

    (7) The Parties shall endeavour to maintain a close dialogue on defence issues of mutual interest and global horizon-scanning, including on nuclear issues.

    ARTICLE 8

    (1) The Parties recognise the importance of having a reliable agenda with regard to transfers and exports in order to ensure the economic and political success of their industrial and intergovernmental cooperation and their respective competence to authorise the transfer or export, from their territory, of defence-related products from intergovernmental programmes or developed by their industries. 

    (2) Recognising the joint and unanimous invitation dated 25 June 2025 from the contracting parties of the Agreement on Defence Export Controls concluded by the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Spain on 17 September 2021 (the “Agreement on Defence Export Controls ”) to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to accede to such Agreement on Defence Export Controls, the Parties agree to preliminarily apply as between them, in their cooperation on defence export controls, Articles 1 to 5 and Annexes 1 to 3 of the Agreement on Defence Export Controls until the date on which the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accedes to such Agreement on Defence Export Controls.

    (3) In the event that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland accedes to the Agreement on Defence Export Controls, paragraph 2 of the present Article shall cease to have effect.

    Chapter 3

    Internal Security, Justice and Migration

    ARTICLE 9

    • The Parties shall cooperate closely and equitably to counter state and non-state threats to their internal security, including to critical infrastructure, making best use of all suitable policy, legal, operational, diplomatic and technological tools and mechanisms and ensuring that law enforcement bodies and intelligence agencies have the right tools and capabilities.

    • The Parties shall work together bilaterally and through multilateral organisations to improve their law enforcement capabilities. They shall work with INTERPOL to support the integrity of the international system and prevent abuse by malign actors. They acknowledge the vital role of European Union agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust, in this regard. They shall consider further ways to strengthen their response to organised crime and terrorism, noting the challenges posed by hybrid threats.

    (3) The Parties agree that it is in their common interest to cooperate closely on preventing and countering transnational serious and organised crime, including criminal offences falling within the jurisdiction of the customs authorities. They re-confirm their cooperation in the joint efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter the financing of terrorism and their fight against illicit financial flows and other shared organised crime threats, such as drug trafficking.

    (4) The Parties shall continue to hold a Home Affairs Dialogue at senior official level at least annually which covers the full range of Home Affairs issues, including tackling serious and organised crime, including migrant smuggling, and border security. The Parties shall pursue a comparable bilateral exchange on criminal offences falling within the jurisdiction of the customs authorities.

    (5) The Parties shall strengthen collaboration to counter terrorist threats to both their countries, including on protective security measures against emerging threats.

    ARTICLE 10

    (1) The Parties are committed to fostering the most effective cooperation in criminal justice matters between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany. 

    (2) The Parties shall work to intensify collaboration on the rule of law, including in its promotion overseas, and exchange learning on the modernisation of their domestic justice systems.

    (3) The Parties shall share information, best practice and technical assistance in civil and family matters.

    ARTICLE 11

    (1) Recognising the challenge from irregular migration and global pressures, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany commit to being active leaders in the global conversation on migration, asylum and borders. The Parties shall cooperate in the joint fight against organised cross-border crime involving migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons. They will support the provision of mutual legal assistance and the prosecution of offenders involved in the smuggling of migrants into and between the two countries. The Parties affirm their joint commitment to border security and regulated migration systems.  

    (2) The Parties shall deepen comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit to address the upstream drivers of irregular migration, including by meeting humanitarian needs, providing education and skills training, boosting employment, and building resilience to conflict and climate change. The Parties recognise that safe and legal pathways in line with national competences are important for regular and orderly migration. Both Parties support a safe, regulated migration system, and share a firm commitment to international law and human rights standards.

    Chapter 4

    Economic Growth, Resilience and Competitiveness

    ARTICLE 12

    • The Parties shall work together to support economic growth, job creation, digital transition and innovation. This includes delivering a just industrial transformation that enables a sustainable and carbon-neutral future and takes into account the needs of future generations. They shall therefore identify vulnerabilities and collaborate on policies.

    • The Parties acknowledge strong business-to-business and people-to-people ties, including many Small and Medium Enterprises, as the foundation of their economic relationship, and agree to take forward joint work in the field of promoting trade and investment, to further build value chains between their countries.

    • The Parties shall work together to deliver their shared ambition of mobilising investment in opportunities that will grow their economies. In doing so, they shall take into consideration the important role of private sector investment and the benefits of coordinating activities between public financial institutions.

    • The Parties recognise the need to strengthen the multilateral trading system particularly by supporting reform of the World Trade Organisation including through discussions in relevant international fora such as the G7 and G20.

    (5) The Parties agree to continue the structured annual dialogue between their ministries of finance, and explore further opportunities to support exchanges between economic experts.

    ARTICLE 13

    • The Parties, acknowledging the strength and complementarity of their economies as well as the importance of a favourable business environment, commit to working with business to drive growth and strengthen the business, commercial and industrial links between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany. The Parties shall focus their cooperation particularly on those areas where it will be most effective in securing the future competitiveness of their economies.

    • The Parties shall work jointly to take full advantage of the significant economic opportunities arising from the green transition, including in particular the renewable energy potential in the North Sea.

    • The Parties recognise the importance of long-term industrial cooperation and shall work together to identify opportunities for coordination and cooperation in the context of their industrial transformations.

    • The Parties shall enhance transport connectivity and collaborate in the field of sustainable, innovative and universally accessible transport solutions and mobility, including cooperation to support the decarbonisation of transport. To this end, they will seek to facilitate direct long distance rail passenger services between their countries.

    • The Parties share the common goal of strengthening the international competitiveness of their aerospace industries and at the same time significantly reducing the climate impact of aviation. Therefore, the Parties agree to further strengthen the existing bilateral activities in the field of aerospace research and to engage in consultations between the ministries and their national research institutions on a regular basis.

    • The Parties’ responsible ministries agree to a structured exchange to address the issues of inclusive and sustainable employment and social policy, just transition of the economy, society and the work environment, and ethical principles and shared values in the context of digital transformation, ensuring that digitalisation and the evolving digital society meet the rights and needs of citizens and the work environment in both countries.

    • The Parties shall work together to enhance their domestic housing policies, to promote innovative approaches to sustainable construction and buildings, and to share best practice on urban matters, with a view to achieving cities that are socially, ecologically, and economically balanced They shall cooperate in multilateral settings on these matters.

    ARTICLE 14

    The Parties commit to working together to safeguard economic stability. They shall strive to strengthen economic resilience to safeguard and protect their national security and deliver secure, sustainable and resilient growth. They shall increase dialogue on economic security to enhance cooperation on priorities such as supply chain resilience, including for critical raw materials, critical technology and critical infrastructure as well as protective toolkits.

    ARTICLE 15

    (1) The Parties shall intensify their cooperation in the field of science, technology, research and innovation, including in critical and emerging areas and research security. The Parties agree to consider funding channels and other means to develop joint bilateral and multilateral activities.

    (2) The Parties shall place special emphasis on their cooperation on innovative or disruptive technologies, ensuring they are able to capitalise more effectively on their strengths in basic and applied research to enable their businesses to grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services.

    (3) The Parties shall promote the global development and deployment of technologies, with particular attention to ensuring the secure and responsible advancement of fields such as artificial intelligence or space.

    (4) The Parties agree to regular and structured exchanges on science, innovation and technology, building on existing structures including the Science, Innovation and Technology Dialogue. The Parties commit to cooperate on current and future challenges across research and innovation, and emerging and critical technologies. This cooperation will include promoting technology development and adoption, international governance, competition policy, sustainability and exchanges on regulatory issues consistent with national competence.

    ARTICLE 16

    (1) The Parties shall intensify their cooperation in the field of digitalisation and modernisation of the state, including digitalisation of society, economy, science, government and public administration. The Parties agree to consider funding channels and other means to develop joint bilateral and multilateral activities.

    (2) The Parties agree to regular and structured exchanges on digitalisation and the modernisation of the state, building on existing structures including a dialogue on digital policy. The Parties commit to cooperate on current and future challenges across digital and data affairs, digitalisation of the state and digital sovereignty.

    Chapter 5

    Open and Resilient Societies

    ARTICLE 17

    • The Parties shall cooperate on strategies for strengthening the resilience of their democracies in order to build resilient societies which are able to contribute to their countries’ security and to withstand the increasing attempts of interference and manipulation.

    • The Parties shall deepen their cooperation in the fight against all forms of hate crime, whilst promoting freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief.

    ARTICLE 18

    • The Parties shall strive to reduce obstacles in order to promote exchanges between their citizens on all levels. They shall work towards strengthening people-to-people contacts. The Parties shall promote smoother border fluidity and will provide each other’s citizens access to automated border technology.

    • Particular focus shall be placed on increasing exchange between young people. The Parties value bilateral school and youth exchanges, and shall facilitate such exchanges, supporting the development of relevant structures and initiatives, such as the “UK-German Connection”.

    • The Parties recognise the importance of vocational training, university education and learning opportunities such as internships. The Parties shall jointly endeavour to increase exchanges within their own legislative frameworks with regard to education, skills and training.

    • The Parties shall promote closer relations in all fields of cultural expression, including activities to promote dialogue and cooperation to share best practice between cultural institutions; close cooperation of the British Council and Goethe-Institut; and establishment of an intergovernmental Working Group on Creative Technology.

    • The Parties acknowledge the important role of civil society and they shall strive to support the work of educational institutions, cultural bodies and political organisations.

    • The Parties shall use the annual meetings of the Cultural Commission to the ends of this Article.

    Chapter 6

    Climate, Energy, Nature, Environment and Agriculture

    ARTICLE 19

    • The Parties shall further deepen their bilateral and multilateral cooperation to mitigate the effects of climate change and to pursue efforts to limit the increase of global average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, including through implementation of the Paris Agreement, the Outcome of the first Global Stocktake adopted at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) and the Glasgow Climate Pact adopted at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 26).

    • The Parties shall enhance their climate foreign policy collaboration and cooperation, including through the UK-Germany Climate Diplomacy Dialogue, to make financial flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development, address the interplay between climate, environment, peace, and security, and support developing countries to decarbonise their economies and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.

    • Recognising the significant societal, environmental economic, and geopolitical impacts of the global energy transition and the shift towards climate neutrality, the Parties shall intensify their dialogue to anticipate and address emerging foreign policy and security challenges.

    ARTICLE 20

    • The Parties intend to work together under the Joint Declaration of Cooperation on Energy and Climate, including the Hydrogen Partnership, to realise their shared ambitions regarding: renewable energy; the role of hydrogen, in particular from renewable sources; carbon capture utilisation and storage, in particular in hard-to-abate sectors; energy security; net zero strategies and policies; and green transition. The scope and priorities for this work shall be reviewed by annual senior official and ministerial meetings.

    • The Parties shall work together to achieve their respective domestic emissions reductions targets, to enhance domestic and global just energy transition resilience and security, including by improving energy and resource efficiency, and to provide secure, sustainable and affordable clean energy derived from renewable sources, in an effort to implement the goals laid out in the Paris Agreement and in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    • Recognising their leading role in the North Seas, they shall work together to accelerate the development of offshore wind energy, electricity, hydrogen and carbon dioxide infrastructures.

    ARTICLE 21

    • The Parties shall cooperate bilaterally and multilaterally to promote environmental protection and halt and reverse biodiversity loss in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including through restoring nature, halting and reversing deforestation, protecting the ocean, reducing plastic, chemical and air pollution and pursuing nature-based solutions.

    • The Parties shall work together to promote resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems internationally, including high animal welfare standards. They shall focus in particular on achieving global food security and nutrition including as a means of pursuing global stability and security.

    Chapter 7

    Forms of Cooperation

    ARTICLE 22

    The Parties agree to hold government ministerial consultations led by Heads of Government every two years, which shall endorse an Implementation Plan of projects under the Treaty for the following two-year period. The venue for the consultations shall alternate between the two countries. Ministerial level dialogues on individual policy themes shall take place whenever both Parties deem appropriate. The Parties’ foreign ministries shall meet annually to review the bilateral relationship in accordance with the provisions of this Treaty.

    ARTICLE 23

    Existing cooperation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between line ministries shall be continued and pursued in the framework of this Treaty.

    Final Provisions

    ARTICLE 24

    This Treaty and its application shall be without prejudice to the Parties’ obligations stemming from international law and, in respect of the Federal Republic of Germany, its obligations stemming from its European Union membership. Nothing in this Treaty shall affect the Federal Republic of Germany’s obligations under European Union law.

    ARTICLE 25

    This Treaty shall apply:

    (a) to the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany; and

    (b)     to the territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and may be extended to any or all of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man by mutual agreement between the Parties by exchange of notes.

    ARTICLE 26

    The Parties may agree, in writing, to amend this Treaty. Such amendments shall enter into force in accordance with Article 30.  

    ARTICLE 27

    (1) A Party may terminate this Treaty by giving the other Party notice in writing. Such termination shall take effect six months after the date of the notification, or on such date as the Parties may agree.

    (2) Either Party may request consultations regarding whether the termination of this Treaty should take effect on a date later than that provided in paragraph 1.

    ARTICLE 28

    Any disputes concerning the interpretation, application or implementation of the Treaty shall be resolved solely by negotiation between the Parties.

    ARTICLE 29

    Registration of this Treaty with the Secretariat of the United Nations, in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations, shall be initiated by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland immediately following its entry into force. The Federal Republic of Germany shall be informed of registration, and of the United Nations registration number, as soon as this has been confirmed by the Secretariat of the United Nations.

    ARTICLE 30

    (1) The present Treaty is subject to ratification; the instruments of ratification shall be exchanged as soon as possible.

    (2) The present Treaty shall enter into force on the date of the exchange of the instruments of ratification.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government agrees landmark plans to lay down the tracks for direct trains to Germany

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government agrees landmark plans to lay down the tracks for direct trains to Germany

    A direct rail link between London and Berlin could change how people travel between our two countries.

    • new direct rail link between UK and Germany could boost tourism, create jobs and help stimulate economic growth as part of the Plan for Change
    • joint taskforce will be established between governments to pave the way for direct services within the next decade
    • move forms part of the government’s wider plan to boost international rail connectivity and deliver more travel options for passengers

    Millions of passengers could benefit from quicker and more convenient travel across Europe as the UK and Germany establish a joint taskforce to explore a new direct rail link between the two countries.

    The landmark partnership, agreed as part of a new bilateral treaty to be signed by the Prime Minister and Chancellor Merz today (17 July 2025), will pave the way for direct international rail services that could boost tourism to the UK and support jobs, as outlined in the Plan for Change, and strengthen cross-border trade within the next decade.

    This significant step forward on establishing direct rail services comes as the UK and Germany commit to enhancing sustainable transport links and collaborate in the field of sustainable, innovative and universally accessible transport solutions and mobility.

    The joint taskforce will bring together transport experts from both governments to examine how to address the barriers to establishing direct long-distance rail passenger services, including establishing the necessary border and security controls.

    The collaboration will support the decarbonisation of transport while strengthening connections and boosting trade between the UK and Germany.

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: 

    We’re pioneering a new era of European rail connectivity and are determined to put Britain at the heart of a better-connected continent.

    The Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie – in just a matter of years, rail passengers in the UK could be able to visit these iconic sights direct from the comfort of a train, thanks to a direct connection linking London and Berlin.

    This landmark agreement – part of a new treaty the Prime Minister will sign with Chancellor Merz today – has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying.

    A new task force will bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange, building on a landmark deal we signed earlier this year to explore introducing direct services to Switzerland. 

    The economic potential is enormous. A direct rail link would support the creation of jobs and strengthen the vital trade links that underpin our economic relationship with Germany. British businesses will have better access to European markets, whilst German companies will find it easier to invest and operate in the UK.

    This is central to our Plan for Change – breaking down barriers, thinking boldly about the future, and making long-term decisions that better connect Britain to the world. Working with Germany, we’re building bridges between our people and paving the way for a more sustainable, connected future.

    The taskforce will examine commercial and technical requirements, including safety standards, border arrangements and collaboration with rail operators to make direct services a reality.

    This partnership builds on both countries’ commitment to decarbonising transport and promoting sustainable mobility solutions across Europe.

    It follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Transport Secretary and Swiss Federal Councillor, Albert Rösti earlier this year, which will lay the groundwork for future commercial services to Switzerland.

    Rail media enquiries

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    Published 17 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation Treaty: The 17 Projects the UK and Germany will deliver together

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation Treaty: The 17 Projects the UK and Germany will deliver together

    A collection of projects agreed between the UK and Germany as part of the Treaty signed by the two countries on 17 July 2025 in London.

    In July 2025 the UK and Germany signed the Treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation. As part of the Implementation Plan under Article 22 of the Treaty, they agreed to deliver 17 priority projects. These projects span the breadth of the Treaty, enhancing cooperation in the face of global challenges, and delivering tangible benefits for UK and German citizens. The projects will be reviewed by a Joint Cabinet every two years.

    1. Ukraine Recovery & Reconstruction

    The UK-Germany Alliance will power Ukraine’s recovery: driving reform, reconstruction and resilience together.

    • Strengthening coordination and strategic alignment between the UK and Germany on Ukraine reform, recovery and reconstruction support.
    • Championing annual Ukraine Recovery Conferences, improving joint action between humanitarian, development and peace actors and strengthening donor engagement with Ukrainian civil society.

    2. Trinity House Defence Agreement

    The UK and Germany commit to building a much deeper Defence partnership which will endure in the long-term and enable both countries to address threats, and strengthen NATO, through the framework agreed in the 2024 Trinity House Agreement on Defence co-operation.

    • Deep Precision Strike and Defence: Advancing work to develop a new Deep Precision Strike capability to provide a conventional deterrent in Europe; we are jointly leading the 2.000 km+ cluster within the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA). It will be among the most advanced systems ever designed. We will aim to deliver a capability within a decade.
    • Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Future Connectivity: Continuing ongoing UK-Germany coordination of the development, procurement, and doctrine of uncrewed aerial systems. Both Air Forces have developed a detailed „Flight Plan“ to increase their future connectivity.
    • Strengthening Eastern Flank through new Land Strategic Partnership: Delivering a strategic partnership in land systems and continuing their close BOXER cooperation, including RCH 155 artillery and extending cooperation to common offboard systems for Future Ground Combat Systems. Both armies are building on their bilateral vision statement to drive this forward. A new Statement of Intent on bridging capabilities has been agreed.
    • Undersea Co-operation in the Northern Seas: Working together to counter undersea threats. This includes training of German crews on UK P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft which will also be delivered to Germany shortly. Both sides have signed an agreement on joint procurement of new Sting Ray torpedoes under development for their aircraft.

    3. Strengthening Defence Industrial and Export Co-operation

    We will work jointly across Government to promote defence exports and champion greater co-operation between our defence industries.

    • Widening our efforts to facilitate and promote dialogue with, and co-operation between, UK and German Defence Industries by further developing the UK-Germany Defence Industry Forum, as per the first meeting in June, reflecting our commitment to a new partnership with industry. This will drive innovation and business-business links to enhance growth.
    • Seeking opportunities to support one another’s defence capability requirements, including through developing future joint procurement initiatives where our requirements align.
    • Deepening efforts to promote our growth and security by pursuing joint export campaigns for jointly produced equipment, building on the UK’s imminent accession to the Germany-France-Spain Treaty on arms export controls.

    4. Joint Action Plan on Irregular Migration

    We will implement the comprehensive Joint Action Plan on Migration to step-up action against people smuggling and illegal migration.

    • Increasing cooperation against migrant smuggling, strengthening law enforcement and judicial cooperation, stepping-up efforts on returns, providing regional leadership and deterring irregular migration to Germany and the UK.
    • Germany is introducing a clarification in German legislation concerning the facilitation of irregular migration to the UK (to be brought to Cabinet with a view to be adopted by Parliament as soon as possible, within 2025).
    • This will establish an even stronger framework for law enforcement, policy and prosecutorial cooperation against organised crime groups smuggling and trafficking people. Aligning as regional leaders on irregular migration in forums such as the Calais Group and Berlin Process, developing joint approaches to key upstream routes.
    • Continuing to support one another to be innovative in managing our migration systems and delivering secure borders.

    5. Strategic Science and Technology Partnership

    We will together develop cutting-edge critical technologies – such as quantum, AI and digital, semiconductors, space capabilities, advanced connectivity, fusion and sustainable energy solutions including battery technologies – to drive long-term economic growth, by:

    • Conducting high-impact research, accelerating adoption of transformative technologies, enhancing supply chain resilience and contributing to an open and innovative business environment.
    • Exploring AI cooperation initiatives, enhancing UK-German innovation leadership, fostering further collaboration to accelerate breakthrough innovation, establishing a strategic space partnership, strengthening collaboration on semiconductors and facilitating closer cooperation between our two nations’ battery eco-systems.

    6. North Sea Energy Infrastructure Project

    We will work together to develop North Seas energy infrastructure – supporting economic growth and reducing bills through trade and infrastructure development.

    • Driving the development of offshore hybrid interconnection between the UK and Germany by the mid-2030s, including through exploring a Joint Declaration of Intent on Offshore Hybrid Assets for agreement at the North Sea Summit in January 2026.
    • Working together to accelerate the development of H2- and CO2-infrastructures.

    We will pave the way for a new direct rail connection between the UK and Germany.

    • Establishing formal cooperation between the two governments to address the barriers to establishing direct rail services between London and Germany within the next ten years.
    • Creating a task force, including Transport and Interior Ministries, to explore establishing juxtaposed controls.

    8. E-gates

    We will streamline leisure, educational, and business travel to Germany.

    • Rolling out the first phase of e-gates access for frequent travellers by the end of August, followed by roll out for all UK nationals as soon as technically possible.

    9. School trips and mobility of citizens

    We will make it easier for school groups to travel between the UK and Germany and consider ways to further enhance mobility between our people.

    • Delivering visa-free school group travel between the UK and Germany, increasing opportunities for linguistic, cultural and academic experiences. Rolling out the new scheme by the end of 2025.
    • Appointing a Joint Expert Group from across both governments to identify mutually agreeable solutions to UK and German mobility issues, including challenges faced by educational and scientific institutions, cultural bodies and political organisations.

    10. Business-Government Forum

    We will bring together German and UK businesses to exchange on business opportunities and to explore joint projects in order to drive growth, enabling our governments to draw upon the expertise and insights of our vibrant business communities.

    • Bringing together key stakeholders from Germany and the UK in this Forum to promote cooperation between German and UK companies and to identify areas of high growth potential in which UK-German cooperation will benefit the two economies.
    • This will be complemented by opportunities for direct exchange between senior business leaders and Ministers from both countries.

    11. Strategic conflict prevention and stabilisation partnership

    We will develop our global partnership to prevent conflict and build lasting peace.

    • Collaborating across international conflict prevention and resolution initiatives, including countering violent extremism; supporting security sector reform and working together to widen our engagement.
    • Sharing situational awareness, early warning, crisis data; collaborating on use of AI; and strengthening our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

    12. Western Balkans stability and security

    The UK will host the German-born Berlin Process, bringing leaders of the six Western Balkans countries and other European states together to support stability, security and economic co-operation in the region.

    • Strengthening coordination between the UK and Germany to support long-term regional and broader European security
    • Driving joint initiatives under the Berlin Process and seeking tangible progress for the Western Balkans Six on their Euro-Atlantic paths.

    13. Indo-Pacific cooperation

    The UK and Germany commit to increased and sustained cooperation on the Indo-Pacific.

    • Strengthening coordination on regional and maritime security, share best practice on geo-economic affairs and secure growth, and strategically align efforts on climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Indo-Pacific.
    • This will include coordination between UK and Germany on initiatives across the Indo-Pacific cooperation workstream.

    14. Biosecurity Cooperation

    We will strengthen our capability to protect our nations and our interests from biological threats.

    • Exchanging information on the development of national biosecurity strategies, bolstering critical infrastructure (e.g. in health care), improving preparedness to state terrorism with biological agents, and preparing for new and re-emerging, highly pathogenic pathogens.
    • Establishing joint exercises and an emergency support system between the UK and Germany.

    15. Strategic sustainable development partnership

    We will deliver impact together on all aspects of sustainable development including growth and jobs, health and climate.

    • Building alliances to advance the 2030 Agenda, and reform international systems. Coordinating on global financial institutions, private sector mobilisation, climate and debt solutions, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resilient and inclusive growth.
    • Holding an annual Development Dialogue setting the strategic direction for our collaboration on development, focusing on shared expertise, new ideas and innovative tools to tackle key challenges and support Global South partners.

    16. Education, Culture, Sport

    We will boost opportunity and growth by putting young people and social mobility at the heart of a new era of educational, cultural and sporting cooperation.

    • Driving more school exchanges, focusing on lower socio-economic groups, creating new initiatives, delivered through existing mobility pathways, such as the first UK-German Creative Industries Prize and inaugural Youth Summit.
    • Delivering a revitalised UK-German Cultural & Education Commission, led by UK and German ministers, to identify and deliver new people-to-people initiatives, with a focus on driving opportunity for all.

    17. KfW/UK Public Financial Institutions collaboration

    Cooperation between our Public Financial Institutions will accelerate the investment needed to boost growth in our economies. * Deepening links between the British Business Bank, National Wealth Fund, and British International Investment) and Germany’s KfW to help mobilise private capital, develop well-functioning and sustainable markets * Sharing insights & best practice, enhancing operational/financial performance, seizing investment opportunities in areas of mutual interest, and exploring further opportunities to deepen cooperation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CSPL Chair responds to publication of government strategy for electoral reform

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    CSPL Chair responds to publication of government strategy for electoral reform

    Doug Chalmers, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, responds to publication of the government strategy for electoral reform.

    “CSPL welcomes today’s publication of the government’s Electoral Reform Strategy which  marks a step forward towards a more transparent, proportionate and effective framework for regulating election finance.

    We are pleased the strategy picks up many important recommendations from our 2021 report, including tightening the requirement to identify the true source of donations, thereby reducing the potential for foreign money to influence UK elections.

    Candidates at the last General Election continued to face unacceptable levels of intimidation and abuse. The measures in the Strategy aimed at countering this risk to our democracy are welcome, and build on recommendations we made in our 2017 report.

    We will continue to maintain a close interest as the government develops its plans.”

    Doug Chalmers, Chair, Committee on Standards in Public Life

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eight British soldiers of the Great War laid to rest in France

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Eight British soldiers of the Great War laid to rest in France

    The remains of eight British soldiers, including four who have been identified by name, have been laid to rest today (16 July 2025) in France, more than 108 after they died in the First World War.

    The families watch on as the coffin is brought to the graveside. Crown Copyright

    The burial service, organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Loos British Cemetery Extension, which was opened in September 2024. 

    The four identified soldiers were Corporal Alfred James Morrant and Private Henry Joseph Rycraft of the 11th Battalion The Essex Regiment, who were killed on 22 April 1917, and Private Arthur Albert Grayston and Private Lewis Ephraim Lambert of the 8th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment, who were killed on 19 April 1917. All four men had previously been commemorated on the Loos Memorial to the missing. 

    JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron said: 

    It has been an honour to have worked with The Royal Anglian Regiment and CWGC to organise the burial service today and to have had the Grayston and Morrant families present. Today we honour the memory of all of these men, whether named or unknown, and remember their comradeship and sacrifice.

    The remains were recovered during the construction of a new hospital on the outskirts of the city of Lens in northern France and were among many British and Canadian casualties recovered from the site. All four named soldiers were identified through DNA testing. Two of the unknown soldiers are also known to have belonged to The Essex Regiment. It is believed that all eight men were killed in April 1917 during the Battle of Arras. 

    The service was supported by serving soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and was attended by Jennifer Strawn, the granddaughter of Private Grayston, and two great-great nephews of Corporal Morrant. 

    Members of the Grayston and Morrant families stand at the graveside with the military party. Crown copyright.

    Jennifer Strawn reflected on the service, and said:

    I think everyone did a great job and the day was perfect. I will always remember it.

    Paul Morrant said:

    The work of JCCC and CWGC is fantastic. The soldiers of The Royal Anglian Regiment were great as they honoured soldiers of The Essex and Bedfordshire Regiments. The the whole thing was a great experience.

    In a separate ceremony yesterday (15 July 2025), a rededication service took place for Lance Corporal Charles Madgwick at Lebucquière Communal Cemetery Extension. LCpl Madgwick was serving with 4th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment when he was killed on 24 March 1918 during the German Spring Offensive. His grave was identified after a researcher submitted a case to CWGC hoping to have found his final resting place. After further research by CWGC, the National Army Museum and JCCC, the identification was confirmed. 

    Both services were conducted by the Reverend Carl Stokes CF, Chaplain to Blandford Garrison.  Reverend Stokes said:

    It has been a tremendous privilege, as an Army Chaplain, to honour the eight fallen soldiers of the Bedfordshire and Essex Regiments by laying their remains to rest alongside their comrades in Commonwealth War Graves. For the four soldiers who have been identified, it is especially moving to see their names finally inscribed on their headstones. The other four will bear the poignant epitaphs ‘Known unto God’ or ‘A Soldier of the Great War.’ It has also been a great honour to share this moment with some of their family members and with soldiers from their legacy regiment, the Royal Anglian Regiment, who served as the honour guard and bearer party. More than a century later, their sacrifice is not forgotten. Their legacy—the freedom they helped secure—lives on.

    All the graves will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC. 

    CWGC Commemorations Casework Manager, David Royle, said: 

    Every year the work of the Commission continues; installing headstones to recently identified casualties like we had for Lance Corporal Madgwick yesterday, or by ensuring that recently recovered casualties are buried in one of our cemeteries. 

    For the eight soldiers buried today in the Loos British Cemetery Extension, we are extremely proud to have worked alongside the JCCC in identifying by name some of these casualties. Although it hasn’t been possible to identify them all, they have been buried with the same dignity and honour. Their service and sacrifice has not been forgotten, 108 years after their deaths.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Babies born with DNA from three people hailed as breakthrough – but questions remain

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cathy Herbrand, Professor of Medical and Family Sociology, De Montfort University

    Ten years after the UK became the first country to legalise mitochondrial donation, the first results from the use of these high-profile reproductive technologies – designed to prevent passing on genetic disorders – have finally been published.

    So far, eight children have been born, all reportedly healthy, thanks to the long-term efforts of scientists and doctors in Newcastle, England. Should this be a cause for excitement, disappointment or concern? Perhaps, I would suggest, it could be a bit of all three.

    The New England Journal of Medicine has published two papers on a groundbreaking fertility treatment that could prevent devastating inherited diseases. The technique, called mitochondrial donation, was used to help 22 women who carry faulty genes that would otherwise pass serious genetic disorders – such as Leigh syndrome – to their children. These disorders affect the body’s ability to produce energy at the cellular level and can cause severe disability or death in babies.

    The technique, developed by the Newcastle team, involves creating an embryo using DNA from three people: nuclear DNA from the intended mother and father, and healthy mitochondrial DNA from a donor egg. During the parliamentary debates leading up to The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations in 2015, there were concerns about the effectiveness of the procedure and its potential side effects.

    The announcement that this technology has led to the birth of eight apparently healthy children therefore marks a major scientific achievement for the UK, which has been widely praised by numerous scientists and patient support groups. However, these results should not detract from some important questions they also raise.

    First, why has it taken so long for any updates on the application of this technology, including its outcomes and its limitations, to be made public? Especially given the significant public financial investment made into its development.

    In a country positioning itself as a leader in the governance and practice of reproductive and genomic medicine, transparency should be a central principle. Transparency not only supports the progress of other research teams but also keeps the public and patients well informed.

    Second, what is the significance of these results? While eight babies were born using this technology, this figure contrasts starkly with the predicted number of 150 babies per year likely to be born using the technique.

    The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the UK regulator in this area, has approved 32 applications since 2017 when the Newcastle team obtained its licence, but the technique was used with only 22 of them, resulting in eight babies. Does this constitute sufficiently robust data to prove the effectiveness of the technology and was it worth the considerable efforts and investments over almost two decades of campaigning, debate and research?

    As I wrote when this law was passed, officials should have been more realistic about how many people this treatment could actually help. By overestimating the number of patients who might benefit, they risked giving false hope to families who wouldn’t be eligible for the procedure.

    The safety question

    Third, is it safe enough? In two of the eight cases, the babies showed higher levels of maternal mitochondrial DNA, meaning the risk of developing a mitochondrial disorder cannot be ruled out. This potential for a “reversal” – where the faulty mitochondria reassert themselves – was also highlighted in a recent study conducted in Greece involving patients who used the technique to treat infertility problems.

    As a result, the technology is no longer framed by the Newcastle team as a way to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disorders, but rather to reduce the risk. But is the risk reduction enough to justify offering the technique to more patients? And what will the risk of reassertion mean for the children born through it and their parents, who may live with the continuing uncertainty that the condition could emerge later in life?

    As some experts have suggested, it may be worth testing this technology on women who have fertility problems but don’t carry mitochondrial diseases. This would help doctors better understand the risks of the faulty mitochondria coming back, before using the technique only on women who could pass these serious genetic conditions to their children.

    This leads to a fourth question. What has been the patient experience with this technology? It would be valuable to know how many people applied for mitochondrial donation, why some were not approved, and, among those 32 approved cases, why only 22 proceeded with treatment.

    It also raises important questions about how patients who were either unable to access the technology, or for whom it was ultimately unsuccessful feel, particularly after investing significant time, effort and hope in the process. How do they come to terms with not having the healthy biological child they had been offered?

    This is not to say we shouldn’t celebrate these births and what they represent for the UK in terms of scientific achievement. The birth of eight healthy children represents a genuine scientific breakthrough that families affected by mitochondrial diseases have waited decades to see. However, some important questions remain unanswered, and more evidence is needed and it should be communicated in a timely manner to make conclusions about the long-term use of the technology.

    Breakthroughs come with responsibilities. If the UK wants to maintain its position as a leader in reproductive medicine, it must be more transparent about both the successes and limitations of this technology. The families still waiting to have the procedure – and those who may never receive it – deserve nothing less than complete honesty about what this treatment can and cannot deliver.

    Cathy Herbrand receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. Babies born with DNA from three people hailed as breakthrough – but questions remain – https://theconversation.com/babies-born-with-dna-from-three-people-hailed-as-breakthrough-but-questions-remain-261385

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Citywide Recycling Push: Preston City Council Beyondly and Recoup join forces to increase recycling and tackle contamination

    Source: City of Preston

    A targeted recycling education campaign spearheaded by Preston City Council and plastics recycling and resource efficiency charity RECOUP, with funding and support from environmental consultancy Beyondly, has reached over 265,000 residents, helping to cut recycling contamination reports by 13% and reduce material rejections at the sorting facility by 19%.

    The campaign, delivered under the RECOUP Pledge2Recycle Plastics programme, ran from September to December 2024 combining billboards, street hubs, school and community engagement, leaflet deliveries to all households in the Preston area, a radio campaign, and a fresh suite of social media assets.

    It aimed to clarify what can and cannot be recycled, with a particular focus on plastics, a key area of confusion for many households.

    Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety commented:

    “The outcomes of this campaign are brilliant. Preston residents want to do the right thing when it comes to recycling, and this campaign helped make that easier. By combining local pride with practical information, we empowered people to recycle more and better.”

    Preston City Council saw an 11 tonne increase in plastic, glass and cans collected in 2024/25 in comparison to 2023/24.

    The city also recorded fewer crew-reported contaminants such as general rubbish and plastic bags in recycling bins, an encouraging sign that consistent messaging is paying off.

    Key achievements

    • Total reach of over 265,000, covering all households in Preston.
    • 13% decrease in contamination in plastic, glass, and can bins.
    • 19% reduction in material rejections at sorting facilities.
    • Leaflet and campaign materials designed with accessibility in mind, including input from local disability groups and multilingual residents.
    • Engagement in priority wards, including Plungington, Deepdale and the City Centre, where housing types and language barriers present ongoing challenges.

    The campaign delivery included engaging directly with communities through school visits, supermarket events, and a dedicated recycling van at the city’s Flag Market. Surveys conducted during engagement revealed that while many residents want to recycle more, they often struggle with understanding what’s accepted and how to prepare materials properly.

    Katherine Fleet, Head of Sustainability and Circularity at RECOUP commented:

    “Education remains a vital part of the recycling puzzle. By using visuals, clear messages, and trusted community channels, this campaign helped to reduce confusion and increase confidence in recycling.”

    Beyondly, who supported delivery of the campaign as well as providing grant funding, also praised its impact and inclusive approach:

    “At Beyondly, we’re proud to support initiatives that empower communities to make lasting environmental change,” said Charlotte Davies, Senior Consultant Resource Efficiency and Circularity at Beyondly.

    “This campaign in Preston is a fantastic example of how collaboration and clear communication can reduce contamination, increase recycling, and build a more sustainable future.”

    Looking ahead, Preston City Council plan to build on these learning’s, including strengthening relationships with schools, improving access to recycling for households without kerbside bins, and considering the needs of neurodiverse residents.

    The Preston City Council Recycling Report 2025 provides a comprehensive review of the campaign’s outcomes, highlighting not just statistics, but also the lived realities of Preston’s diverse communities.

    To learn more or access the full report, visit the RECOUP website or join us at a webinar on 10 September 2025, register your interest for the event through Eventbrite – Preston City Council Recycling Campaign – Insights, Results and Learning’s.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Top TeN artists to display work in Ruskin Gallery

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Work by Francesca Gagni

    Personal stories and the fragility of relationships are at the heart of a new art exhibition at Anglia Ruskin University’s Cambridge campus, running from 25 July to 6 August.

    The free public exhibition, called TeN, will showcase the creative talents of 10 students graduating this autumn from the MA in Fine Art course at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), and will be held in ARU’s Ruskin Gallery.

    Amongst the diverse artwork on show will be a series of ceramics inspired by handwritten letters received by the artist’s family, and thought-provoking sculptures, crafted from recycled material, highlighting themes of change and regeneration. 

    Sue Lowndes, a former social worker who has been studying on the MA on a part-time basis, said: “My work is a response to a collection of letters saved over many years. This is very personal work – autobiographical in many ways.

    “I chose ceramics for its versatility and its ability to convey both strength and fragility, mirroring the change in relationships over time. I hope this work resonates with visitors to the exhibition, who will be able to connect with it in their own ways.”

    Francesca Gagni’s sculptures also tell a personal story, based on her farming roots. Francesca, who progressed to the MA having completed the BA in Fine Art at ARU, said: “For this exhibition I have been working with upcycled and recycled materials to produce tactile sculptural pieces. 

    “My work is informed by my farming background, and working with these materials speaks of regeneration. My aim is for the audience to engage with my work as a sensorial experience.”

    The Degree Show exhibition marks a significant milestone in the creative and professional journey of these 10 artists, whose diverse life experiences and backgrounds informs their work. 

    “The MA Fine Art course is challenging; it asks students to reconsider their work as artists, which can throw everything up in the air in relation to what they thought they knew about their approach to art.

    “By imagining alternative ways of viewing society, the students also ‘remake’ themselves and become more confident, knowledgeable artists. Seeing this transformation is one of the greatest joys in my role as Course Director.”

    Course Director Dr Véronique Chance

    Public access to the Ruskin Gallery during the MA Fine Art Show is via the MacKenzie Road entrance, off Mill Road, and directions for disabled access will be from the Mackenzie Road entrance.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Measles advice17 July 2025 Public Health is urging Islanders to check they are up to date with their MMR vaccine schedule following the death of a child from measles in the UK. Measles is highly contagious. It can infect anyone… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    17 July 2025

    Public Health is urging Islanders to check they are up to date with their MMR vaccine schedule following the death of a child from measles in the UK. 

    Measles is highly contagious. It can infect anyone at any age but can be particularly dangerous for those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or very young. Islanders who are travelling abroad this year and those who will be going to university in September are also encouraged to get vaccinated against the disease.

    Islanders experiencing the below symptoms are urged to contact their doctor’s surgery by phone before getting healthcare advice in person. Typical symptoms include: 

    • cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough, 
    • sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light 
    • a high temperature (fever) 
    • a red-brown blotchy rash will appear after a few days. This usually starts on the face spreading to the rest of the body.

    Health Protection Nurse Advisor, Emma Baker, said: “The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is given routinely in two doses to children by the time they are three years and four months. While Jersey has reassuring MMR vaccination coverage, we know a small number of Islanders have not had both doses. This puts them at risk, so I encourage all Islanders to make sure that they and their children are fully vaccinated.

    “Measles is circulating in parts of the UK and Europe, so please before you travel, we are calling all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their two MMR doses. Islanders who are unsure if they or their child have been fully vaccinated should contact their GP surgery or the Childhood Immunisations Team on 443741.”​​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Jersey Crematorium services to temporarily relocate from Monday 1 September17 July 2025 From Monday 1 September, multi-faith and all non-religious funeral services held at Jersey Crematorium will be temporarily relocated from the existing Westmount Road location to the Members’ Room at… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    17 July 2025

    From Monday 1 September, multi-faith and all non-religious funeral services held at Jersey Crematorium will be temporarily relocated from the existing Westmount Road location to the Members’ Room at the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society, RJA&HS, in Trinity. 

    Given the crematorium’s immediate proximity to the new Acute Hospital’s construction site, the temporary move is necessary to ensure services can continue to be conducted with dignity and respect during the most potentially impactful phases of the build. 

    Cremations, interments, and the use of the Garden of Remembrance will remain at the existing Westmount location, with the office and rose gardens open as usual. 

    Some minor works to the RJA&HS Members’ Room, which are being carried out by nine local contractors and suppliers, are underway in advance of the relocation to ensure services can continue with the same dignity and functionality as they do at the current crematorium site.

    Services at the RJA&HS will be held four days per week, similar to the current schedule, with the new temporary facility offering: 

    • up to 50 parking spaces, including accessible parking 
    • capacity for services to hold up to 100 mourners in the Members’ Room 
    • accessibility for wheelchair users and accessible for hearse and funeral cars 
    • exclusive use of the space, allowing mourners the same level of privacy that the current facility provides 
    • a private, off-road area for mourners to gather privately before and after services 
    • a location within a 15-minute drive of the crematorium. 

    The Government of Jersey will continue to engage closely with stakeholders and the public throughout the relocation and transition period, and a public awareness campaign to support the relocation will launch next month. 

    The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, said: “Ensuring that Islanders can continue to say goodbye to loved ones in a respectful and dignified environment has been a key priority throughout the planning of the new Acute Hospital. The relocation of services to the RJA&HS site allows us to maintain that dignity once construction starts at Overdale in the months ahead, given the very close proximity of the crematorium to the building site.”

    The Minister for Infrastructure, Connétable Andy Jehan, said: “I would like to thank crematorium staff, the Crematorium User Group, and the RJA&HS for their collaboration, and I’m pleased that local contractors are playing a central role in delivering this important refurbishment work for the Island. 

    “I would like to emphasise that, while the service aspect of the funeral proceedings will be temporarily relocated, interments, cremations and the use of the Garden of Remembrance will remain at the existing Westmount location.”​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Giant avian clean-up job is moa than meets the eye

    Source: City of Leeds

    The skeletal remains of a giant bird which last walked the earth more than 500 years ago have been given a clean bill of health by museum curators in Leeds.

    The incredibly rare and complete bones of the heavy-footed moa, a huge flightless bird which once roamed parts of New Zealand, were carefully cleaned by experts at Leeds City Museum this week.

    Each of the skeleton’s delicate bones was meticulously inspected for any signs of dust and deterioration during the condition check.

    Driven to extinction by hunting and deforestation around 570 years ago, the remarkable species was one of the largest birds which ever existed, standing almost six feet tall and weighing more than 300 lbs.

    Named for its distinctive and enormous feet, the specimen on display in Leeds came to the city in 1868, when it was acquired by the then curator of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society Henry Denny.

    At that time the skeleton was known to be the only example of the species in the country outside the British Museum in London.

    Like many objects in the Leeds collection, it was damaged in 1941 after Philosophical Hall (the city’s museum), where it was originally on display, was bombed during World War II.

    In 2011, curators rediscovered the bird’s bones and after a full restoration, they were put on display in Leeds City Museum’s Collectors Cabinet.

    Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of natural sciences, said: “The moa is a truly historic specimen which really captures the imagination and brings a completely different world inhabited by extinct and bizarre giants to life.

    “It’s also a tangible example of the potentially devastating impact which changing habitats, climates and hunting can have on fragile species and the ecosystems they live in. This was a species which walked the earth for thousands of years, but which completely disappeared within in a relatively short time of interacting with humans.

    “Having animals like this on display is not only a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, it’s a thought-provoking reminder of our responsibility to do what we can to protect the natural world both now and in the future.”

    The moa is one of a number of extinct species on display at the museum including a dodo and giant Irish elk.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Having such an impressive collection of objects on display which capture the astonishing diversity of the animal kingdom both past and present can really help visitors understand our role in the natural world.

    “It’s important that these historic specimens are preserved and conserved for future generations to see, enjoy and be inspired by.”

    For more information about Leeds City Museum, please visit: Leeds City Museum | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Chandra Finds Baby Exoplanet is Shrinking

    Source: NASA

    A star is unleashing a barrage of X-rays that is causing a closely-orbiting, young planet to wither away an astonishing rate, according to a new study using data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and described in our latest press release. A team of researchers has determined that this planet will go from the size of Jupiter down to a small, barren world.
    This graphic provides a visual representation of what astronomers think is happening around the star (known as TOI 1227) and a planet that is orbiting it at a fraction the distance between Mercury and the Sun. This “baby” planet, called TOI 1227 b, is just about 8 million years old, about a thousand times younger than our Sun. The main panel is an artist’s concept that shows the Jupiter-sized planet (lower left) around TOI 1227, which is a faint red star. Powerful X-rays from the star’s surface are tearing away the atmosphere of the planet, represented by the blue tail. The star’s X-rays may eventually completely remove the atmosphere.
    The team used new Chandra data — seen in the inset — to measure the amounts of X-rays from TOI 1227 that are striking the planet. Using computer models of the effects of these X-rays, they concluded they will have a transformative effect, rapidly stripping away the planet’s atmosphere. They estimate that the planet is losing a mass equivalent to a full Earth’s atmosphere about every 200 years.
    The researchers used different sets of data to estimate the age of TOI 1227 b. One method exploits measurements of how TOI 1227 b’s host star moves through space in comparison to nearby populations of stars with known ages. A second method compared the brightness and surface temperature of the star with theoretical models of evolving stars. The very young age of TOI 1227 b makes it the second youngest planet ever to be observed passing in front of its host star (a so-called transit). Previously the planet had been estimated by others to be about 11 million years old.
    Of all the exoplanets astronomers have found with ages less than 50 million years, TOI 1227 b stands out for having the longest year and the host planet with the lowest mass. These properties, and the high dose of X-rays it is receiving, make it an outstanding target for future observations.
    A paper describing these results has been accepted publication in The Astrophysical Journal and a preprint is available here. The authors of the paper are Attila Varga (Rochester Institute of Technology), Joel Kastner (Rochester Institute of Technology), Alexander Binks (University of Tubingen, Germany), Hans Moritz Guenther (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and Simon J. Murphy (University of New South Wales Canberra in Australia).
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.

    Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

    chandra

    https://chandra.si.edu

    This release features an artist’s illustration of a Jupiter-sized planet closely orbiting a faint red star. An inset image, showing the star in X-ray light from Chandra, is superimposed on top of the illustration at our upper left corner.
    At our upper right, the red star is illustrated as a ball made of intense fire. The planet, slightly smaller than the star, is shown at our lower left. Powerful X-rays from the star are tearing away the atmosphere of the planet, causing wisps of material to flow away from the planet’s surface in the opposite direction from the star. This gives the planet a slight resemblance to a comet, complete with a tail.
    X-ray data from Chandra, presented in the inset image, shows the star as a small purple orb on a black background. Astronomers used the Chandra data to measure the amount of X-rays striking the planet from the star. They estimate that the planet is losing a mass equivalent to a full Earth’s atmosphere about every 200 years, causing it to ultimately shrink from the size of Jupiter down to a small, barren world.

    Megan WatzkeChandra X-ray CenterCambridge, Mass.617-496-7998mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
    Corinne BeckingerMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Villagers at flood risk in Pett receive new flood warning service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Villagers at flood risk in Pett receive new flood warning service

    59 properties in Pett, in East Sussex, to benefit. Households urged to register for new, more targeted service.

    The Marsham Sewer, which will benefit from a new flood warning service.

    The Environment Agency has announced a new flood warning service to 59 householders in Pett for the Marsham Sewer, a drainage channel, or ditch, that flows eastwards through the parish.

    Pett is at risk of flooding from both the sea and the Marsham Sewer. The village has a flood warning service which covered the coastal risk, but not for the risk from the sewer.

    But a new flood warning service area has now been created by targeting groups of households where, during periods of flood-risk, the chances of flooding might be greater than the larger surrounding area. This will make the flood warnings they receive more targeted and enable the homeowners to take the steps they need to respond in good time. 

    Flood warnings tell people about an imminent risk of flooding to their home or business and helps people make informed decisions about how to respond. There are three types of warning – flood alert, flood warning and severe flood warning. Each warning type is triggered by particular weather, river or sea conditions which cause flooding.

    Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a flood alert, which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn’t want to lose if flooding were to take place.

    A flood warning calls on people to act now which means turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pets to safety.

    A severe flood warning means you are in immediate danger and to follow advice from emergency services.

    Henry Bethell, Environment Agency flood resilience team leader for Kent, said:

    We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority. However, the climate emergency means we cannot prevent all flooding – so we’re working to make communities resilient to future flooding.

    We want to ensure that everyone has as much time as possible to prepare for flooding, which is why we’re pleased that people in Pett will now be able to receive our free flood warning service for the Marsham Sewer.

    Home and business owners will be automatically enrolled to the flood warning service via their mobile network. However, to get the most benefit out of the service the Environment Agency is encouraging people to register directly with them by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188, or visiting www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings where they can register preferred contact details. 

    Background:

    • 6.3 million properties in England are at risk of flooding.
    • With climate change projections, 8 million properties could be at risk of flooding by mid-century.
    • The average cost of flood damage to a home is £30,000.
    • The average cost of flooding to a business is £82,000.
    • If you are flooded, temporary accommodation costs on average £10,000.
    • If you are flooded you are likely to be out of your home for an average of 5 months.
    • Know what to do when you receive a flood warning and download a personal flood plan – www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-alerts-and-warnings-what-they-are-and-what-to-do.

    All Environment Agency news releases, both area and national, can be found under Announcements at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency.

    Follow us on Twitter, now known as X: @envagencyse

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Infrastructure Pipeline kicks off new era of infrastructure delivery

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Infrastructure Pipeline kicks off new era of infrastructure delivery

    New tool gives investors and industry clarity they need to plan for the long term and support the delivery of the government’s infrastructure ambitions.

    • UK’s major infrastructure projects published giving investors and British business the certainty to plan for the long term.
    • NISTA’s new interactive Pipeline website sets out 780 planned projects including transport, energy, schools and hospitals.
    • Follows publication of government’s landmark 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy setting out new approach to infrastructure and vital reforms to ensure planning and delivery is joined up.

    Construction firms have been given the certainty and confidence they need to invest in major UK infrastructure projects as the government publishes details of hundreds of live schemes, underpinning the delivery of the government’s landmark 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.

    This Infrastructure Pipeline will provide real time updates on 780 planned private and public sector projects, giving industry the clarity needed to plan for the long term and creating good quality jobs and supply chain capacity necessary to deliver the government’s infrastructure ambitions and the Plan for Change. It will support our modern Industrial Strategy, boosting business investment and driving growth across the country.

    Building on data from 40 government departments, public bodies and regulated businesses, the new interactive online tool provides details of around 780 public and privately led infrastructure projects under construction, in development, or at an early stage of planning including transport, energy, schools and hospitals.

    The pipeline outlines £530 billion of projects and programmes over the next ten years, which includes £285 billion funded solely by the public sector.

    It comes as the government announced last month at least £725 billion of government funding over the coming decade, as part of a new approach to how projects are planned and delivered.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP said:

    Last month, I set out a comprehensive ten-year strategy to restore confidence in the UK’s capacity to provide the infrastructure we need to renew Britain.

    Delivering that ambition will require support from the private sector to invest in the jobs and training opportunities workers need to help us rebuild the country.

    This pipeline brings industry on that journey with us – by giving business leaders and investors confidence about future work and therefore the confidence to invest in their workforce.

    By providing a more consistent picture of significant infrastructure investments planned by both government and the private sector, the pipeline also aims to improve the quality of policy making, spending decisions and the delivery of major projects – replacing the previously erratic and uncoordinated nature of infrastructure planning with a more certain picture.

    This is backed by a new online pipeline tool allowing users to see the national and regional picture of planned investments by both the government and private sector in real time. As well as providing details of individual projects, users will also be able to look at the full range of planned investments.

    The pipeline will managed by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and updated on a regular basis. 

    Becky Wood, Chief Executive Office of NISTA, said:

    We’ve listened to a wide range of voices to ensure this pipeline is designed to give the infrastructure sector the information and insights needed to plan with confidence and to build the skills, workforce and supply chains required.

    NISTA is committed to working with investors, operators and construction firms on future iterations to ensure the pipeline is where private and public sector partners will stand firmly behind a shared ambition to do things better.

    John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer at CBI said:

    A dynamic, forward-looking infrastructure pipeline is exactly what business needs to plan, invest, and build with confidence. This announcement responds to long-standing calls from industry and sends a strong signal that government is serious about long-term infrastructure planning. Greater clarity and certainty on upcoming projects will unlock investment in nationally significant schemes, strengthen supply chains, and support high-value jobs across the UK.

    Sam Gould, Director of policy and external affairs at the Institution of Civil Engineers said:

    The ICE has promoted the importance of an up-to-date, credible project pipeline for some time, so NISTA’s publication of the new Infrastructure Pipeline is a welcome step forward.

    Having an agreed list of projects provides essential clarity for the industry to plan – not just for delivery, but to enable better workforce planning and attract necessary finance.

    The commitment from NISTA to regularly update the Pipeline with insights and data from across industry is also positive, and the ICE looks forward to working with NISTA to refine and develop this Pipeline.

    This joined-up, systematic approach is what’s needed to plan for and deliver the infrastructure the UK needs.

    Mark Reynolds, Mace’s Executive Chair and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council and Co-Chair of the Construction Skills Mission Board, said:

    The construction industry cannot invest in new skills, capacity and technology without clarity on our future workload. The government’s pipeline plays a critical role in allowing us to scale up to deliver 1.5m new homes and a revitalisation of our national infrastructure.

    NISTA’s new dynamic approach is a major step forward; and the inclusion of employment data will make a significant difference to firms across the country as they plan for the next few years of growth. The Construction Skills Mission Board will be working with our members from government, industry, training bodies, the devolved authorities and the unions to build the skilled workforce we need to realise the ambitious plans laid out in the pipeline.

    More information

    • Additional comments:

    Leo Quinn, Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, said:

    The new Infrastructure Pipeline is a big step forward, giving industry the clarity and confidence to invest in skills, grow capability and deliver sustainable, digital solutions. It’s what Balfour Beatty has been calling for: funded schemes, greater detail and transparency, and real-time updates to support business planning. The challenge now is keeping up momentum and making it a trusted tool for long-term UK infrastructure planning.

    Suzannah Nichol OBE, Chief Executive, Build UK said:

    The new Infrastructure Pipeline is another step towards much needed visibility and stability for the construction supply chain and private sector investors. This dynamic approach showing a clear and updated pipeline of work will give our members more confidence to invest in the skills, resources and technology required to deliver and maintain the social and economic infrastructure we all rely on.

    Build UK is committed to working with the Treasury and NISTA to ensure the pipeline is an effective tool, supporting improved performance and productivity and driving economic growth.

    Jon Phillips, Chief Executive, Global Infrastructure Investor Association said:

    This is a positive step towards strengthening the UK’s appeal as a destination for private finance of critical infrastructure.

    Global investors will value a clear pipeline of projects that shows the full scope of the UK’s investment potential.

    We look forward to working closely with the government to ensure the pipeline meets investors’ needs and has the greatest possible impact on UK economic growth.

    David Allen, spokesperson for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), and Executive Director of CECA Southern, said:

    The long-term certainty provided by the pipeline published today – and the ease of access that the online tool provides – will boost the infrastructure sector’s delivery capacity, at a time when we need the UK economy to be firing on all cylinders.

    CECA members have consistently argued that key to delivering the best results is providing industry with clear visibility of the forward pipeline of investment.

    This is essential to maintaining confidence across our sector, and enables businesses to plan efficiently, invest in skills and innovation, and deliver the economic and social outcomes the UK needs.

    • The Infrastructure Pipeline is a dynamic online tool, developed after extensive engagement with a wide range of industry stakeholders.
    • It provides both an interactive and downloadable information about each scheme, including details of anticipated spend, the current project status and its expected completion date, together with information on the Pipeline’s methodology and how it will evolve in future. 
    • This first iteration of the pipeline reflects public spending settlements agreed across government as part of the recent Spending Review. The next update planned for early 2026 will add further details following the completion of business planning across government resulting from Spending Review decisions..
    • The Pipeline is not an announcement of new government policy or project investments – it is an update on the latest position on each project.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofqual withdraws access arrangements statistics

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ofqual withdraws access arrangements statistics

    Ofqual is withdrawing its official statistics on access arrangements for GCSE, AS and A levels from 2014 to 2024 after identifying issues with the data.

    • Number of students reported to receive extra time in exams overstated, says regulator. 

    • No change for students receiving or applying for access arrangements as procedures are unaffected.  

    • Access arrangements granted to students remain appropriate and valid. 

    • New official statistics with improved methodology to be published in late 2025 following comprehensive evidence review.

    The exam regulator Ofqual is withdrawing its official statistics on access arrangements for GCSE, AS and A levels from 2014 to 2024 after identifying issues with the data. 

    Access arrangements are adjustments to exams for students with special needs, disabilities, or injuries, ensuring fair assessment. Examples include extra time and the use of a reader or scribe.  

    Ofqual’s statistics for access arrangements were based on data collected by exam boards. Ofqual’s detailed analysis of underlying data from the boards has now established that the published figures significantly overstated the number of students receiving access arrangements.

    The difference is due to the way the data is recorded and aggregated – for example, including arrangements for students who did not sit exams in the relevant year, or duplicate applications for the same student.  

    The new analysis suggests that the actual proportion of students receiving access arrangements – including 25% extra time in exams – is now broadly in line with the proportion of students with special educational needs in the school population.

    Tom Bramley, Executive Director of Research and Analysis at Ofqual, said: “We are correcting the record as soon as possible. The access arrangements process has not changed, and students who received support did so appropriately.

    “This issue is limited to our access arrangements dataset and our other statistics are not affected.”

    Ofqual is working with exam boards to improve data quality and reporting processes. Revised statistics will be published in late 2025 and will be classified as “official statistics in development”. Ofqual is working closely with the Office of Statistical Regulation on the new approach.

    Notes to editors

    More information is available in our blog

    For reference, SEN statistics: Special educational needs in England, Academic year 2024 to 2025

    For information on access arrangements: Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration – JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications 

    The withdrawn data covers all access arrangements except modified exam papers, such as large print or braille papers, which use a different data set and are unaffected.  

    Statistics on modified exam papers will be briefly taken down from Ofqual’s website and then re-uploaded on a separate page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote is a long-overdue step towards a stronger, more inclusive democracy say Greens

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    by Green Party

    Responding to the government’s announced plans to give votes to 16 and 17 year olds, Green Party MP, Ellie Chowns said: 

    “On this one, Labour have got it right. Giving 16- and 17-year-olds the vote is a long-overdue step towards a stronger, more inclusive democracy. Young people have powerful voices and a vital stake in decisions about their future — it’s only right that they have a say at the ballot box.

    But if Labour are serious about renewing our democracy, this must be just the beginning. We need to go further — that means scrapping the undemocratic House of Lords, and finally delivering proportional representation so that every vote counts.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection

    A new world-leading biosecurity centre in Essex will protect the UK from emerging publicd health threats and boost economic growth.

    • World-leading biosecurity centre in Harlow, Essex to protect the UK against emerging public health threats
    • Multi-billion-pound government investment will make National Biosecurity Centre the largest of its kind in Europe
    • Will create around 1,600 new jobs to support construction and enhance collaboration between scientists and the life sciences sector

    People in the UK will be better protected from future pandemics and biosecurity threats thanks to government investment into a new, world-leading biosecurity centre in Harlow, Essex.

    The National Biosecurity Centre (NBC) will increase the speed and scale of research into dangerous pathogens and life-saving vaccines, boosting healthcare and economic growth, and protecting UK national security.

    The government is investing billions of pounds in the project, including £250m over this Parliament, for vital research and testing that is currently split across UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sites in Porton Down and Colindale under one roof.

    Once complete, the NBC will be the largest in Europe, creating around 1,600 new jobs to support construction of the site and enabling the development of new treatments and vaccines that could save countless lives.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This transformational investment in the UK’s national biosecurity will better protect the British public from future health emergencies, boost the life sciences sector and create new jobs.

    COVID-19 taught us how crucial it is to be able to respond quickly to new emerging threats, and the new National Biosecurity Centre will allow us to do exactly that — ensuring Britain remains a world-leader in pandemic preparedness.

    Harlow will become a scientific hub, with The National Biosecurity Centre exploring new ways to treat illnesses, improve people’s health and save more lives.

    By backing innovation, research and life sciences, we will make our NHS fit for the future, and cement the UK as a life sciences superpower as part of our Plan for Change.

    The NBC will create 1,600 extra jobs to support construction of the site and enabling closer collaboration between leading scientists and the life sciences sector.

    The investment is part of a series of ways in which this government is making the UK a life sciences powerhouse to improve access to life-changing and innovative treatments for patients, as set out in the 10 Year Health Plan. This follows the launch of a new digital hub for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in Leeds to ensure that life-saving healthcare innovations reach patients faster.

    We’re taking the lessons from COVID-19, boosting our world-leading vaccine manufacturing and research capabilities, and separately to Harlow, taking part in a national exercise later this year to make sure our preparations are watertight. Through the Pandemic Agreement, we’re also improving the world’s collective ability to prevent, prepare for, detect and respond to global disease threats and £108 billion in life sciences sector also protects us against future pandemics, as well as creating jobs and driving economic growth.

    Dyfed Alsop, interim UKHSA chief executive, said: > > This is fantastic news for the UK and will mean that we can continue to offer the best possible protection for people’s health for generations to come. > > A brand-new facility at Harlow will bring together our world leading public health science and emergency response capabilities, putting us in a stronger position to protect the public and keep people safe. > > This marks a significant investment in our future, ensuring that the UK remains a world leader in health security and that we are better prepared against a growing range of health threats.

    The NBC will create exciting new partnerships between UKHSA scientists and industry – paving the way for potential research breakthroughs, including in the realm of infectious diseases, environmental health, and behavioural sciences. Harlow will deliver state of the art highly secure laboratories that will be used to research the most dangerous and new diseases.

    Being physically closer to industry partners in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor will furthermore strengthen collaborations.

    Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

    The National Biosecurity Centre will help to strengthen the UK life sciences sector for decades to come, by backing our world-renowned researchers with highly advanced facilities to develop life-saving treatments in the face of new health threats.

    By enabling further collaboration between researchers at the cutting-edge and industry, the new hub can help drive the economic growth that benefits us all, building on the highly skilled new jobs already being delivered, and supporting our Plan for Change.

    The new facility will form part of a new network of National Biosecurity Centres recently announced under the 2025 National Security Strategy. This network will strengthen and formalise existing collaborations between UKHSA, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to bolster the UK’s resilience to deliberate, accidental or naturally occurring biological incidents. It follows the announcement last month of investment of more than £1 billion in a new campus in Weybridge to research and respond to animal and zoonotic diseases.

    Work to prepare NBC for operation will begin as soon as possible, with the first facilities due to open by the mid-2030s and the whole site scheduled to be in operation by 2038.

    By enhancing the UK’s resilience against biological threats, the opening of NBC will strengthen our national security – one of the essential foundations underpinning our Plan for Change.  

    Notes to editors:

    • Further information on the Network of National Biosecurity Centres: Network of National Biosecurity Centres – GOV.UK
    • The decision to open the new site in Harlow was made following an extensive review of the best ways to deliver the specialist laboratories that the UK needs, including the possibility of redeveloping existing sites.
    • UKHSA will continue operating from Colindale and Porton until the new Centre in Harlow is fully up and running, to ensure a safe and effective transition.
    • The DSTL site at Porton Down is not affected by this new development and will remain operational.
    • Of the total multi-billion investment in the Centre, £250 million will be spent by the Government over this Parliament alone to kickstart delivery. The exact total amount of funding for the Centre will be confirmed in due course.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nearly 1,200 cared for children supported to do well in school

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Thursday, 17th July 2025

    More than 1,160 children and young people in Stoke-on-Trent who are cared for – or were previously cared for – have been given extra help over the past year to succeed in their education.

    The city council’s Virtual School has helped young people in lots of ways, including building confidence, supporting schools with implementing strong support plans, providing funding for interventions and resources.

    It also offers advice and guidance to help prepare for the next stage of education and providing training to help schools understand the needs of children, who are care experienced and have a social worker.

    The specialist team behind the Virtual School support young people who are, or have been, in care. They work with schools, carers and social workers to ensure cared for children get the support they need to do well and feel confident in the classroom.

    Their work also focuses on improving outcomes for children and the use of bespoke Personal Education Plans (PEPs) for looked after children continues to form the basis for support and delivering outcomes.

    The Virtual School also leads on a number of city wide projects to upskill schools in Relational Approaches in Education (RAiE), raising attainment for disadvantaged youngsters, as well as a summer transition programme for those leaving secondary school.

    One of the most successful schemes has been the RAiE Project, which focused on schools adopting relational approaches and understanding children who suffer with attachment and trauma difficulties. So far, 46 schools have taken part over the last three years and seven of them have Bronze Awards, five have Silver Awards and the New Guild Trust has just won the 2025 Alex Timpson Attachment Award for the Midlands.

    Another impactful project is the summer programme run with YMCA North Staffordshire to help teenagers transition and get ready to start college or training in September. Over the last two years, 90 per cent of those young people who have attended have been in education, employment and training in the September.

    The summer sessions included college visits, CV writing and team-building activities.

    Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We’re proud to support cared for children by giving them the tools and confidence they need to achieve their goals – that support can change lives.

    “The Virtual School has achieved great things in the last year and has had a profound positive impact on children and young people in the city.

    “Outcomes for many young people have been improved thanks to the hard work of the service and not only does this improve life chances for our young residents, but it also helps with tackling inequality in the city and building empowered communities.”

    Looking ahead, plans are in place to:

    • Improve attainment for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
    • Improve school attendance
    • Improve support for children and young people at risk of being not in education, employment or training
    • Make sure children’s views are heard and acted on

    The work is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to helping every cared for child achieve their full potential.

    For more information on the Virtual School, visit the website: www.stoke.gov.uk/virtualschool

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Jimmy Discovers Employment

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A Dundee man has set sail on a new career after receiving all hands on deck support from the Council’s employability service.

    Jimmy Moran, 60, was previously a training instructor at Michelin for around 25 years before the factory closed in 2020 and has secured new employment as a ship’s crew maintenance worker at the RRS Discovery.

    Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT), who run Captain Scott’s famous Antarctic ship at Discovery Point, were looking to employ someone to maintain the attraction and support the ongoing preservation of the vessel.

    Jimmy visited the Adult Employability Service after a recommendation from a friend and with the help of the team at various sessions started getting interviews. Despite a few knock-backs Jimmy received constant reassurance and conversations about how his experiences were a strength.

    While attending a job shop, run by the service, he noticed the position at DHT appear online and the team helped him apply for the role, get an interview and follow up with the trust about progress.

    Speaking about his experience Jimmy said: “The support I received from the employability service was very good. They always got in touch with me when any job arose that they thought I may be interested in.

    “I was previously working at Michelin and unfortunately the factory closed. I was looking for something totally different from my past roles and to be able to use my people skills, jovial personality and do something more fun!”

    Jimmy beat around 70 other applicants to the job, and he puts this down to the support of council’s employability service who gave him the determination and desire to go for the job despite the barriers he thought he would face.

    “One of the barriers I was thinking about was my age and another was the type of jobs available. With the support of the team however I managed to get an interview with Dundee Heritage Trust to work on the RRS Discovery. When I was then offered the job, I was over the moon.”

    The RRS Discovery is currently going through conservation work to restore the 124 year old polar vessel and Jimmy is using his skills to help the contractors while also learning from them about their work.

    Jimmy added: “As part of my job I do a lot of work on the ship such as painting, varnishing, building, cutting, sanding and cleaning alongside day-to-day general maintenance of Discovery Point. I’m very fortunate to now be in a job I enjoy so this is my plans until I retire. The way I look at it, I will always be a part of the history of the ship”

    Ali Gellatly is the ship and facilities director at Dundee Heritage Trust. 

    Speaking about Jimmy and the employment process he said: “We were approached by the employability service to have a meeting to discuss the role and find out more. We then went through the normal interview process with a practical element, which Jimmy absolutely excelled at, and we felt like a perfect fit for us.

    “Jimmy is one of those people where he is more than happy to help anyone he can. The ship’s crew is vital but it’s not always easy to employ the right person. Having Jimmy joining us was an absolute win.”

    Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) funding was put in place to further secure the role, purchase equipment and help the heritage trust towards the extensive training Jimmy received. 

    Ali added: “The funding Jimmy came with was really useful for us and made sure he had everything he needed right from the start.”

    “We would absolutely have someone again through the employability service. The feedback and updates we get from them are really helpful as well as the constant contact, knowing there is someone you can speak to with any issues.”

    Jimmy added, “I would absolutely recommend the service for anyone looking for a job, they are very passionate about what they do, they are very considerate, and they will help you the best they can.”

    Jimmy and Ali have filmed videos speaking about their experiences and these can be found on the Council’s YouTube channel.

    Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “I am very pleased to hear about Jimmy’s success in getting a job with Dundee Heritage Trust through the council’s employability service and offer my congratulations to him and everyone involved.

    “His work on board the RRS Discovery in maintaining this important asset for this city is not only evidently appreciated by his employers but by me and I’m sure everyone who visits.

    “It is clear to me that the employability team provide an excellent, professional and dedicated service and I would encourage anyone looking for employment to get in touch.”

    More information about the employability services the council support people with can be found on the Dundee City Council website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Patients with long-term conditions to receive help from charities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Patients with long-term conditions to receive help from charities

    Hundreds of thousands of patients with long-term conditions will be automatically referred to specialist charities at the point of diagnosis.

    • Better support to understand and manage conditions from day one, improving quality of life and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits, supporting an NHS fit for the future as part of the Plan for change
    • Announced by the Prime Minister at the Civil Society Summit – the service is yet another example of how the government is working with civil society to deliver for working people

    Hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with long-term health conditions will receive extra help and support from expert charities, under a new service announced by the Prime Minister today (Thursday 17 July).

    Diagnosis Connect will ensure patients are referred directly to trusted charities and support organisations as soon as they are diagnosed – providing personalised advice, information and guidance to help them manage their condition and feel more in control. This support is designed to complement, not replace, their usual NHS care. It recognises the vital role that civil society plays in helping repair the health of the nation.

    With one in four people in the UK living with two or more long-term conditions this early, tailored support is vital. Patients living with multiple health issues often face the greatest challenges and the highest risk of complications. By helping people understand and manage their conditions from day one, the new service will help reduce flare-ups, improve quality of life and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

    The service, due to be launched in 2026, will support a quarter of a million people in its first two years focusing on areas like diabetes, mental health and lung conditions. It will be scaled up to reach hundreds of thousands more over the coming years.

    The initiative, developed by the Richmond Group, was announced by the Prime Minister at the Civil Society Summit at the Science Museum, where he launched a new Civil Society Covenant to build stronger partnerships between government and charities, faith organisations, philanthropists, social investors and grassroots groups to deliver real results for working people.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Being diagnosed with a long-term condition can be overwhelming. People are often handed a leaflet or a phone number and left to find help themselves—right when they’re feeling scared, confused and unsure where to turn.

    We’re changing that. Just as people with cancer or dementia are often guided to well-known charities for specialist advice and support, this new service will make sure patients with other long-term conditions are directly referred to trusted organisations from the moment they’re diagnosed.

    It’s about making it far easier to give people the emotional support, practical guidance and confidence they need to manage their condition and live fuller, more independent lives. Our Plan for Change is delivering for patients and making an NHs fit for the future.

    In its first stage, launching in 2026, Diagnosis Connect will focus on patients diagnosed in primary care—such as at their GP surgery. Patients will be automatically connected with specialist charities that offer helplines, information, local support groups and services tailored to their condition.

    As the programme expands, a digital referral system will allow NHS teams in all healthcare settings—including hospitals—to connect patients to a broad network of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations.

    Initially, the service will focus on key areas such as diabetes, lung conditions and mental health, with further conditions added over time.

    As part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to shift the health service from analogue to digital, patients will be sent a text or push notification via the NHS App with information about relevant support groups and charities should they wish to seek further help.

    Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association said:

    240 people of all ages wake up to stroke every day in the UK having lost the ability to move, speak or even swallow with lifelong repercussions for their mental health and quality of life. As the UK’s only stroke-specific support charity, we know the huge difference it makes to people affected by stroke to get information, help, and guidance easily and accessibly when they need it most. 

    We have recently been trialling a similar programme to ensure people affected by stroke know about our services right from the point of diagnosis. So, we’re confident that Diagnosis Connect can help transform the early stages of recovery and rehabilitation for the 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK today and their loved ones. As the Government reforms the country’s healthcare, charities, like ourselves, have real potential to be an invaluable support for those who need us.

    Gemma Peters, Chief Executive Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

    We welcome today’s commitment from the Government to work in partnership to ensure support is available for people from day one. From the moment someone hears the words ‘you’ve got cancer’ lives are turned upside down and having the right support in place is vital.

    Currently, there are almost 3.5 million people living with cancer across the UK and too many people face unacceptable differences in their experiences of diagnosis, treatment, and care because of who they are or where they live. This has to change. Better is possible and through our work with the government we want to ensure that everyone living with cancer gets the best care the UK has to offer.

    Macmillan is here for everyone. No matter your question or your needs specially trained advisers are available on our Support Line and more ways to get support can also be found on our website.

    Duleep Allirajah, Chief Executive of The Richmond Group of Charities, said:

    We are delighted that the government, as part of its 10 Year Health Plan, has committed to this pioneering digitally enabled service, helping more people diagnosed with health conditions to manage through expert support from charities.

    Being diagnosed with a health condition can be a time of worry, questions and fears for the future. It’s when access to the right kind of support makes all the difference. Charities provide vital guidance, understanding and support to individuals, through personalised information, helplines, access to specialists and links to others who also live with the condition.

    The Richmond Group of Charities helped develop this proposal for automatic referrals to specialist charity support. We look forward to this becoming second-nature, so that all people with long-term conditions can benefit from support when they need it.

    Partner comments:

    Chris Larkin, Associate Director of Services at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

    There are currently around one million people in the UK living with dementia. A third of those are undiagnosed, leaving them to face the devastating realities of dementia without access to the vital care, support and treatment that a diagnosis can bring.

    For those who do manage to access a diagnosis, they tell us that finding the right support can often feel like trying to navigate a maze, with multiple dead ends and wrong turns. 

    Diagnosis Connect has the potential to hand families a map and steer them in the right direction, towards people who understand dementia, guiding them from diagnosis through to end of life.

    Alzheimer’s Society’s services are a lifeline for people affected by dementia. We’re ready to work with the Government and share our knowledge from supporting people through one of the hardest times in their lives.

     Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said:

    We are delighted to see Diagnosis Connect being taken up by the government, an approach Asthma + Lung UK has already championed as a game-changer for people newly diagnosed with lung conditions. As the NHS shifts its focus from moving more care out of hospital and into the community, ensuring people have access to advice and support to manage chronic health conditions is crucial. It makes absolute sense for the government to work in partnership with health charities to do this, capitalising on our vast expertise and community connections.

    Respiratory illness is the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions, yet levels of basic care for lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are worryingly low.  Signposting people to organisations like Asthma + Lung UK from the moment they are diagnosed can make all the difference. We know that with the right support and information, people are better able manage their lung conditions, meaning they can stay well and out of hospital. We all have a role to play in supporting the NHS and keeping patients safe and supported. Asthma + Lung UK is committed to doing our part, together with other charities.

    Dr David Chaney, Director of Services, Community and Improvement at Diabetes UK, said:

    Being diagnosed with diabetes can be an overwhelming and often lonely experience. It can be difficult to know where to turn. Getting the right support from day one can make all the difference, giving people the best chance of living well with diabetes and reducing their risk of developing devastating complications in the future.

    We’re delighted to see the Government harnessing the support offered by charities, through Diagnosis Connect. By connecting people to charities from the moment of diagnosis, this initiative will help embed early, compassionate support into everyone’s diabetes journey, so no-one faces a life-changing diagnosis alone.

    Nick Moberly, Chief Executive at the MS Society, said:

    We’re really pleased the government is supporting Diagnosis Connect. More than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, and this new service has real potential to ensure everyone gets timely information and vital support at diagnosis to help them live well with MS.

    This first stage is a positive step forward in better connecting the NHS to charities. Together with the Richmond Group we look forward to developing Diagnosis Connect to help provide personalised advice, information and guidance to our communities in England.

    Helen Buckingham, Chair of National Voices, said:

    Being diagnosed with a new and potentially serious health condition can be an overwhelming, burdensome and sometimes frightening experience. We know from our members that providing support at the point of diagnosis is vital to ensuring that people have the skills and confidence to manage their condition, reducing the risk of deterioration.

    The VCSE sector, properly funded, can play an important part in making the 10 Year vision a reality. This is just one example of the value of enabling the sector to perform their unique role in the health system; supporting the people they advocate for. We hope to see many more.

    David Newbold, Director of Community at Parkinson’s UK, said:

    We are pleased to see the government launch the first phase of Diagnosis Connect. This new initiative builds on the great work of many charities in supporting people as soon as they are diagnosed with a health condition.

    Since 2019, we have been trialling our own pioneering service, Parkinson’s Connect, which refers newly diagnosed people to our community of support. So we believe Diagnosis Connect will supercharge our service, ensuring no one is left uncertain of where to turn when diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

    We look forward to working with the DHSC and the NHS to shape and deliver this vital new programme.

    Rachel Power, Chief Executive, The Patients Association said:

    This is a welcome initiative that rightly recognises the vital role expert charity support plays in helping patients manage long-term conditions. Our work shows that patients living in underserved neighbourhoods often struggle to get the information they need and face barriers when communicating with healthcare professionals. Early access to trusted charities at the point of diagnosis can make a real difference.

    For it to truly succeed, the referral system needs to capture the full diversity of support available, from established national charities to grassroots community organisations. Done right, this could help reduce health inequalities and be transformative for all patient outcomes.

    Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said:

    When people are struggling with their mental health, it can be hard to know where to turn. Charities like Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK offer trusted, user-informed advice and support, built with and regularly reviewed by the people it’s designed to help. Diagnostics Connect will help ensure people get the best possible guidance when they need it most.

    Our work in areas like Somerset, Sheffield and Tower Hamlets has shown the positive impact of the NHS working in partnership with charities and community groups to create smoother pathways to care. This initiative is an important step forward, strengthening the third sector’s vital role in complementing the NHS and ensuring people get the support they need.

    Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive, Versus Arthritis said:

    More than 450,000 people are diagnosed with arthritis every year, so it is essential they can access the right information, care and support swiftly.

    As the UK’s leading arthritis charity, we are encouraged by the Government’s new initiative to connect people at the point of diagnosis with expert charities like Versus Arthritis.

    Living life in the grip of the pain and fatigue caused by arthritis can leave people isolated and too often kickstart a downward spiralling of both mental and physical health. Early intervention and support at this crucial time will enable people to manage their condition and navigate the health system with greater confidence. We look forward to working with the Government and our partners in the Richmond Group of Charities to deliver this important new service.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grants applications for Norwich cultural projects now open

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Thursday, 17th July 2025

    Cultural groups and community enterprises that deliver events, festivals and creative activities in Norwich are being invited to apply for a Norwich City Council culture grant.

    The grants are part of the council’s commitment to ensure the city continues to flourish as a creative and vibrant place over the next decade, working with others in the arts and cultural sector as part of the Norwich Creative City Compact.

    In the past year, culture grants have been awarded to a range of organisations including Sewell Barn Theatre, Frozen Light and Heritage Open Days.

    This year, organisations are invited to apply for grants of between £ between £500 and £7,500 by completing the application form by Friday 1 August. Applicants should read the guidance notes alongside the application form for further information.

    Cllr Claire Kidman, cabinet member for culture said:

    “Norwich is such a creative city and we are delighted to support groups and projects that enrich our vibrant cultural scene.

    “Our grant scheme has a proud history of enabling local talent and ideas to come to life; bringing people together and enriching lives.”

    Visit Small Culture Grants 2025-26 | Get Talking Norwich to apply and find out more.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nuclear fusion boost as government sets to unblock planning rules

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Nuclear fusion boost as government sets to unblock planning rules

    Government confirms the UK will be the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules.

    • Government backs innovation and growth with plan to develop National Policy Statement to unblock fusion projects 

    • forms part of golden age of nuclear plans through the government’s clean energy superpower mission 

    • UK will become the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules – helping support thousands of skilled jobs as part of the Plan for Change

    New clean energy jobs and growth for British businesses are set to be unlocked as the government confirms the UK will be the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules. 

    The plans will see fusion introduced into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime, putting fusion energy projects on the same footing as other clean energy technologies such as solar, onshore wind and nuclear.  

    This will drive growth and unlock benefits for places such as Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire and South Yorkshire where the fusion industry is already supporting thousands of jobs – revitalising industrial heartlands with the clean energy of the future.  

    Currently, fusion projects must submit an application to the local authority with no set timelines for approval and no guidance on which sites are appropriate – hindering the technology’s development in the UK.  

    The introduction of a National Policy Statement will provide clarity to developers and streamline the planning process for fusion, giving applicants clearer guidance on where and how quickly projects can be developed. This will give industry certainty, break down regulatory barriers and get projects built quicker to cement the UK’s position at the forefront of the global race for fusion. 

    The Spending Review also delivered a commitment to invest over £2.5 billion in fusion research and development. This includes progressing with the STEP programme (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) which aims to develop and build a world-leading fusion power plant by 2040 in Nottinghamshire, creating thousands of new jobs with the potential to unlock limitless clean power. 

    A thriving fusion industry in the UK will support the growth of other technologies, including superconductors, robotics and advanced materials, which in turn will provide highly-skilled jobs for British scientists, engineers and construction workers as part of the Plan for Change.  

    The government’s clean energy mission is the only route to energy security, lower bills and good jobs for the country, and by setting out clearer planning rules for investors, the UK will maintain its optimum position for fusion industry investment.  

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    The future of fusion energy starts now. We are backing the builders not the blockers – paving the way for the UK to become a clean energy superpower and ensuring that limitless fusion energy plays a key role in our future clean energy mix.  

    We are ensuring the clean energy of the future gets built in Britain, supporting the creation of highly skilled jobs and driving growth into our industrial heartlands as part of our Plan for Change.

    This clarity for investors follows a major backing of £61.9 billion for clean homegrown power in the Spending Review, in which a golden age of nuclear was confirmed with the selection of Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first small modular reactors and £14.2 billion investment to build Sizewell C. 

    Developing the fusion NPS will also help fusion energy projects move faster along the process from identifying sites to the start of construction. 

    This follows the government’s £20 million investment into the ‘Starmaker One’ British fusion investment fund which is expected to unlock £100 million of private investment in the UK – driving economic growth. 

    Tim Bestwick, CEO, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), said: 

    The inclusion of fusion energy in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime is a clear indication of the government’s support for fusion. 

    Fusion promises to be a safe, sustainable part of the world’s future energy supply and the UK has a huge opportunity to become a global hub of fusion and related technology. 

    Fusion-specific planning rules will help provide certainty about investing in UK fusion developments, and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in the quest to commercialise fusion energy.

    Notes to editors 

    The government plans to consult on a detailed National Policy Statement for fusion energy by March 2026. 

    Consultation response on Scope of Fusion Energy National Policy Statement

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London Launches the London to Accra Campaign

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mayor of London Launches the London to Accra Campaign

    UK leading a new era of diaspora-driven growth in Ghana

    The British High Commission in Accra has officially launched the “London to Accra Economic Growth Campaign” – a bold, series of activities aimed at strengthening economic ties between the UK and Ghana, by leveraging the two countries’ greatest shared asset, the British Ghanaian diaspora. 

    The launch took place at a vibrant reception attended by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, and the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, alongside 100 entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders from the business communities both in Ghana and the UK. 

    London to Accra transcends symbolism. It is about unlocking untapped opportunities. The campaign will raise awareness of the role that the British Ghanaian diaspora plays in driving economic growth through their people-to-people connections, creativity and cultural relations between the two cities, London and Accra, and for that matter the two countries, Great Britain and Ghana. It will also highlight the range of support available to help entrepreneurs strengthen their trade and investment activities between the two capitals. 

    Kicking off with the launch, the campaign will include a series of webinars focused on doing business between the UK and Ghana, a digital storytelling series showcasing diaspora success stories, and a roadshow of diaspora-led businesses in Accra. The culmination of this bold campaign will be the inaugural Diaspora Economic Growth Summit in January 2026 in Accra. This flagship event will serve as both the grand finale and the beginning of a new tradition in diaspora economic collaboration. 

    Keith McMahon, Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission in Accra, set the tone at the launch saying: 

    The London to Accra campaign is a practical approach to supporting the UK’s growth mission. Our two capitals are not just linked by culture. These connections are increasingly economic, with entrepreneurs building businesses that bridge both capitals and create prosperity in both nations. By strengthening these connections, we are creating new pathways for investment and economic growth that benefit citizens in both countries.

    The launch event featured a panel discussion with key figures including Ghana’s Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Otchere Darko; Pamela Bassah, Head of Diaspora Relations and Strategic Partnerships at the British High Commission; Dr. Vanessa Apea; CEO of Accra London Health Centre; Giselle Agyare, Country Director of the UK Department for Business and Trade in Ghana; and Shirgade Laryea from the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce. The discussion highlighted the wide range of support available through initiatives such as Growth Gateway. 

    The campaign follows the success of the annual Diaspora New Year Networking Mixer, which began in January 2023 and has become a cornerstone event for the British Ghanaian community. The 2025 edition attracted over 500 stakeholders from the UK-Ghana diaspora, business community, and Government of Ghana, demonstrating the strong appetite for greater engagement between the two countries.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham City Council tenants make big savings thanks to a new money saving app

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Thursday, 17th July 2025

    Birmingham City Council tenants are enjoying discounts at over 100 national retailers, thanks to a new money-saving app called Housing Perks.

    Earlier in the year, the council conducted a trial partnership with Housing Perks. This app provides tenants with exclusive offers and discounts at retailers such as Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, and Argos. 

    During the trial around 5,000 tenants downloaded the app, which generated savings for these households of £17,722.

    The trial has been a success, and the council is looking to continue with Housing Perks while implementing a new feature where tenants are able to put their savings towards rent arrears payments.

    Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

    “We are committed to doing all we can to support our tenants through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and I am pleased to add the Housing Perks app to our other cost-of-living support.

    “Housing Perks provides our tenants with discounts on everyday essentials and big one-off costs.

    “We understand how challenging it can be budgeting and managing household bills, so we are implementing a new feature that gives tenants the option to pay any savings made through the app directly to their rent account. By doing this, tenants can keep on top of rent payments while doing their weekly shop or buying petrol.

    “By linking tenants’ everyday spending to rent payments, we hope this will provide an additional way to help tenants who are struggling during this cost-of-living crisis.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What will batteries of the future be made of? Four scientists discuss the options – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    The majority of the world’s rechargeable batteries are now made using lithium-ion. Most rely on a combination of different rare earth metals such as cobalt or nickel for their electrodes. But around the world, teams of researchers are looking for alternative – and more sustainable – materials to build the batteries of the future.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to four scientists  who are testing a variety of potential battery materials about the promises they may offer.

    When lithium-ion batteries emerged in the 1990s, they were a huge breakthrough, says Laurence Hardwick, a professor of electrochemistry at the University of Liverpool in the UK. He explains that lithium-ion batteries “ became commercialised at the same time as the mobile electronics industry really took off”. But their subsequent use in electric cars now presents “a challenge of scale”, given the use of rare earth minerals within their components.

    Hardwick is director of the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, named after the 19th-century engineer George Stephenson – builder of the world’s first inter-city rail link between Liverpool and Manchester, which passed close by to the University of Liverpool’s campus.

    Hardwick’s work focuses on what other materials could be used either in conjunction with lithium, or on their own, to diversify battery manufacturing away from rare earth metals. Part of this includes research on solid-state batteries, which use ceramic plates rather than a solvents to conduct the ions that provide the charge. “ Solid-state batteries offer a lot of potential energy-gaining benefits and safety benefits,” he says.

    Sodium-ion is also being touted as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Robert Armstrong, principal research fellow in chemistry at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, is part of a consortium of UK-based researchers working on questions around sodium-ion batteries, including what type of electrodes and electrolytes work best.

    Like potassium-ion, which is also a potential battery candidate, sodium-ion is heavier than lithium-ion, but Armstrong says sodium is  fairly evenly abundant: “So you don’t have the supply issues that might affect lithium-ion, and you’re not like to see the same price volatility.”

    Some Chinese manufacturers in China, such as BYD and CATL, are pushing ahead with sodium-ion batteries for cars, despite the fact they’re heavier than lithium-ion batteries. There’s also interest in sodium-based technology in countries in the Arabian Gulf that use desalination plants. “They’ve got all this sodium kicking around. Why not make use of it?” says Armstrong.

    Batteries which biodegrade

    Terracell on display at the Prototypes for Humanity 2024 showcase in Dubai.
    Gemma Ware, CC BY-SA

    Other researchers are looking at how to make batteries out of plant-based materials that are biodegradable. Bill Yen, a PhD candidate in electrical engineering at Stanford University, is part of a team who are developing Terracell, a type of battery that generates power using microbes in the soil.

    Their inspiration was how to power environmental sensors in damp environments without leaving lots of electronic waste behind at the end of the battery’s life. Terracell won the energy category of the Prototypes for Humanity 2024 event in 2024 in Dubai, a  showcase for sustainable solutions to the world’s problems.

    Also in Dubai was Ulugbek Asimov, a professor of mechanical and construction engineering at Northumbria University in the UK, who is developing BioPower Cells, a type of rechargeable battery made from waste products such as coffee which doesn’t contain any rare earth metals. “  And at the end of its lifespan, we drop it into boiling water and it will be turned into liquid ionic fertilizer,” Asimov said.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly to hear the conversations with these four scientists about their work and the batteries of the future.

    Applications are now open for early career researchers to submit their projects for the Prototypes for Humanity 2025 awards and showcase in Dubai.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Gemma Ware with assistance from Mend Mariwany and Katie Flood. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

    Bill Yen has received funding for his work on Terracell from National Science Foundation, the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative and support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation,VMware Research, and 3M. Laurence Hardwick has received funding from the Faraday Institution and is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Ulugbek Asimoz has received funding from the Northern Accelerator Proof of Concept to develop certain stages of the BioPower Cells project, which will be a spinout company from Northumbria University in the future. Robert Armstrong has received funding from the Faraday Institution and funding from EPSRC and Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. What will batteries of the future be made of? Four scientists discuss the options – podcast – https://theconversation.com/what-will-batteries-of-the-future-be-made-of-four-scientists-discuss-the-options-podcast-261294

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • UK to lower voting age to 16 in landmark electoral reform

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The British government said on Thursday it planned to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all UK elections in a major overhaul of the country’s democratic system.

    The government said the proposed changes, which are subject to parliament approvals, would align voting rights across the UK with Scotland and Wales, where younger voters already participate in devolved elections.

    “We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy,” Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said in a statement.

    Turnout at the 2024 general election was 59.7%, the lowest at a general election since 2001, according to a parliamentary report.

    According to the House of Commons library, research from countries that have lowered the voting age to 16 shows it has had no impact on election outcomes, and that 16-year-olds were more likely to vote than those first eligible at 18.

    Labour, whose popularity has fallen sharply in government after being elected by a landslide a year ago, had said it would lower the voting age if elected.

    The reforms would also expand acceptable voter ID to include UK-issued bank cards and digital formats of existing IDs, such as driving licences and Veteran Cards.

    To tackle foreign interference, the government said it also planned to tighten rules on political donations, including checks on contributions over 500 pounds ($670) from unincorporated associations and closing loopholes used by shell companies.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pharmacist time freed up to treat patients more

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Pharmacist time freed up to treat patients more

    Pharmacists will benefit from better access to pharmacy services as part of 10 Year Health Plan, under new proposals set out by the government today

    • Government freeing up pharmacist time so they can treat patients more
    • Qualified pharmacy staff could get expanded roles to improve patient access and allow pharmacists to focus more on frontline care
    • Move part of delivery drive of the 10 Year Health Plan, moving care closer to the community

    Patients will benefit from better access to pharmacy services under new proposals set out by the government today.  

    As part of the immediate work to start delivering the 10 Year Health Plan, the Department of Health and Social Care has published plans to modernise pharmacy supervision rules, to allow registered pharmacy technicians to take greater responsibility and enable pharmacists to focus more on frontline patient care. 

    The changes, which have been welcomed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK and the General Pharmaceutical Council, will modernise pharmacy practice and make better use of the skills within pharmacy teams.

    This will give pharmacies greater flexibility in how they deploy their staff, freeing up pharmacist time to deliver more clinical services and to help advise patients on prevention as well as sickness as part of the government’s Plan for Change while ensuring that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can work to the top of their profession. 

    Minister Stephen Kinnock said:  

    We have hit the ground running in delivering our 10 Year Health Plan, and this is another immediate and tangible change that will mean patients get better care closer to their home, while we also modernise the NHS.

    Pharmacists will be able to spend more time providing clinical care, while qualified pharmacy technicians can take greater responsibility for routine tasks.  

    This will improve patient experience and help avoid delays in accessing medicines when the pharmacist is not available.

    These are simple, common-sense changes that will help pharmacies run better, saving staff and patient time.

    The draft legislation follows extensive consultation with pharmacy professionals and stakeholders. It is expected to come into effect by the end of 2025 and the bulk of the measures will have a one-year transition period to allow for the development of professional standards and guidance. 

    It will expand who can supervise the dispensing of medicines, empower the pharmacy workforce to deliver better care and unlock clinical expertise, so communities are served more effectively by their local pharmacy and delivering on the Plan for Change by improving care in the community and reducing pressure on the NHS.

    This is another example of this government’s commitment to support the pharmacy sector – and builds on the package of recently enacted measures to dispense medicines more quickly and efficiently.

    We have invested a record amount in the sector with the largest uplift in funding seen by community pharmacy for over a decade.  

    These further measures will help transition community pharmacy from being largely focused on dispensing medicines to becoming integral to the Neighbourhood Health Service, supporting the shift from hospital to community set out in our 10 Year Heath Plan. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elections strategy and review outcomes: Sector update letter

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Elections strategy and review outcomes: Sector update letter

    Open letter updating the electoral sector on the Review of Electoral Conduct and Registration and publication of the Elections Strategy.

    Documents

    Elections strategy and review outcomes: Sector update letter

    PDF, 189 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    This letter from Minister Ali follows up on a previous communication from October 2024 (from Minister Norris) to update the electoral sector on the outcomes of the Review of Electoral Conduct and Registration, undertaken earlier this year, and on the publication of Restoring trust in our democracy: Our strategy for modern and secure elections.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

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