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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Historic Cunard Building to be connected to Mersey Heat Network

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council has announced a plan to connect its head office at the Cunard Building to the Mersey Heat District Heat Network.

    This initiative aims to reduce the building’s carbon emissions and contribute to the council’s broader goal of decarbonising its estate and operations by 2030.

    The Cunard Building, a large and historic structure on Liverpool’s historic waterfront, currently relies on a gas-fed heating system. By transitioning to the low-carbon hot water provided by the Mersey Heat network, the council expects to significantly decrease the building’s environmental impact.

    The project has received a grant of up to £1.6 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, facilitated by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). This funding will cover the costs of connecting the building to the heat network and making necessary fabric improvements to enhance heat retention.

    In addition to the grant funding, the council is seeking a loan of £268,190.48 to match the grant and ensure the project’s successful completion.

    The council has authorised the Corporate Director of City Development to oversee the project, including entering into agreements with Mersey Heat Limited and LCRCA.

    Key benefits of the project will see a transition to low-carbon hot water, significantly decreasing the Cunard Building’s environmental impact.

    The historic building will also be fitted with heat retention enhancements, further reducing energy consumption.

    The project is expected to save 152 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere every year.

    The council is committed to creating a well-connected, sustainable, and accessible city. This project represents a significant investment in that vision, ensuring the Cunard Building remains a landmark for generations to come.

    Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “This project is a crucial step in our efforts to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly city.

    “By connecting the Cunard Building to the district heat network, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also investing in the long-term future of this iconic landmark.

    “We will be helping to reduce carbon emissions substantially and give this historic building the technology to continue functioning for future generations. The whole project is a great example of how all of our buildings, no matter how old or grand, can be included in a net zero future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How the Mayor’s Fund for London works

    Source: Mayor of London

    In 2008 the Mayor’s Fund for London was established as a vehicle for a wide range of ambitions, and primarily to generate additional resources for London’s communities and young people.

    In 2024, the Mayor’s Fund reached over 89,000 young people across London. Working with young people from various socio-economic backgrounds and collaborating with community organisations, schools, colleges and other charities.  Its new strategy launched in January 2025, setting out the Fund’s ambitions for 2025-2028.

    Tomorrow, the GLA Oversight Committee will question the Mayor’s Fund for London about its work. The guests are:

    • Jim Minton, Chief Executive Officer, Mayor’s Fund for London
    • Basma Elhayani, Youth Board Member, Mayor’s Fund for London

    The Committee will also ask questions on new proposals for the format of People’s Question Time between 2025 and 2028.  The guests are:

    • Katie Morrison, Interim Assistant Director, External Relations, GLA
    • David Holley, Head of Events for London, GLA

    The meeting will take place on Thursday 27 February from 2pm, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Namibia: Neil Bradley

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Change of British High Commissioner to Namibia: Neil Bradley

    Mr Neil Bradley has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia in succession to Mr Charles Moore.

    Neil Bradley

    Mr Neil Bradley has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia in succession to Mr Charles Moore who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Bradley will take up his appointment during April 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Neil Andrew Bradley

    Year Role
    2020 to 2025  Monrovia, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2017 to 2020 FCO, Head of Human Rights Policy Unit
    2015 to 2016  Brussels, Head of UK-EU Funding Unit, UK Permanent Representation to the EU
    2011 to 2015  Pretoria, Political Counsellor, Secondment to the European External Action Service, EU Delegation South Africa
    2008 to 2011 Pretoria, Political Counsellor
    2006 to 2008  FCO, Deputy Head, Migration Group
    2000 to 2006 Brussels, First Secretary, Justice and Home Affairs Section, UK Permanent Representation to the EU      
    2000  Joined FCO, pre-posting training (including French Language training)
    1998 to 2000  Joint Home Office/Cabinet Office Unit, Head of Voluntary Sector Relations Section
    1993 to 1998  Home Office, Fast Stream Entrant

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting the UK aviation sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Supporting the UK aviation sector

    Secretary of State for Transport outlines next steps for airport expansion during the Airlines UK annual dinner.

    Good evening, everyone.

    I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of you over the last couple of weeks individually. But I will be honest with you, not only did I not expect to find myself in this job, I also didn’t envisage spending quite so much time talking about airports.

    But I am glad I have because aviation not only underpins the growth we want, but our approach to it says a lot about the country we want to be.

    Now some might say the current debate about airport expansion highlights a fundamental tension between growing the economy, whilst protecting the environment. 

    I say: we must do both. 

    We could put our head in the sand and pretend that people don’t want to fly. Pretend that families aren’t dispersed across the globe. That they don’t work hard for, and enjoy, their summer holidays. We could pretend that businesses don’t have international clients and colleagues and that air freight isn’t a significant part of the UK’s trade by value. We could pretend that aviation isn’t critical to the economy of an island nation. But we would be knowingly detaching ourselves from reality.

    We live in an increasingly interconnected world. Whilst technology has in some respects brought us all so much closer together, there are some things that smartphones, streaming or Zoom just can’t replicate. So as a government, we have a choice – either engage with the world as we find it, or we fail. We know demand for air travel is only going in one direction. Record-breaking stats from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) last week confirm passenger levels were 7% higher in 2024 than the previous year. Demand is up – and if we don’t meet it, then we will lose out to our European competitors and risk being on the wrong side of public aspirations.  

    So the Chancellor has been clear: we will do all we can to support the sector and take the brakes off growth. It’s why we’ve approved London City Airport’s plans to expand to 9 million passengers per year by 2031 and it’s why we welcomed Stansted’s additional £1.1 billion investment to extend its terminal. But there remain capacity problems – particularly at airports in the southeast.

    So, as you know, planning applications for Gatwick and Luton are literally on my desk. And as you might have picked up, the government has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. Once received, we will move at speed to review the Airports National Policy Statement. But let me be clear – this is in no way a blank cheque. My job as decision maker on all of these schemes will be to strike a balance – between expansion’s potential benefits of jobs, trade and tourism, with tough questions on:

    • whether this is compatible with our climate and air quality obligations
    • whether we can minimise noise and disruption to local communities
    • whether this will benefit airlines and passengers, and how we make sure costs are shared fairly

    This government believes in increasing airport capacity. We’re ambitious for the sector, but these strict criteria must be met if we are to balance the needs of today with the necessities of tomorrow.  

    But it’s not just about airport expansion – I want us to take a holistic look at aviation. Our Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, has worked with many of you for years on what are now some of this government’s key manifesto commitments. He has seen first-hand this sector re-emerge stronger from one of its toughest periods and stand today at the cusp of what could be the biggest transformation in its 100-year history. Now more than ever, you need a government that is a willing partner you can trust, whose electoral mandate provides stability, and whose policy agenda provides certainty.

    But I would ask that you judge me and the government not on what we say – because goodness knows you’ve had enough of politicians promising you things. But judge us on the choices we make. While this government is only 8 months old, our choices are clear. Every decision measured against the yardstick of growth:

    • planning reforms – delayed by successive governments as just too hard, now allowing us to finally build again
    • a national wealth fund – now creating thousands of jobs and unlocking investment
    • the first industrial strategy in years – due this summer
    • work accelerated on modernising our airspace, that critical national infrastructure which gets forgotten far too often

    Right across the board, it’s clear, we’re choosing growth. For us here tonight, that means running hell for leather towards greener and quieter flights. Stand still and we risk making ourselves poorer in every way. I, therefore, see both decarbonisation and modernisation, above all, as a moral mission.

    Let me be clear, I have no intention of clipping anyone’s wings. I am not some sort of flight-shaming eco-warrior. I love flying – I always have. For me, there is something intrinsically optimistic about taking to the sky. I’d even go as far as saying that EasyJet’s bacon sandwich on an early morning flight from Gatwick is up there with my favourite things in life. Other airports, operators and snacks are of course available!

    I believe it is incumbent on all those in public life to give businesses the tools for success and increase opportunities for people to improve their lot. That means more passengers and freight in the air, not less. But I am equally clear that this must also mean less carbon, not more. That’s why sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is so important. Over its lifecycle, it will reduce emissions by 70% when compared with jet fuel. And just weeks into office, we reiterated our commitment to the SAF Mandate and, in November, we signed it into law.

    Throughout, we’ve listened to your concerns. You rightly said demand without supply will mean higher costs – and that’s on top of pressures you’re already facing on many fronts. Harming your competitiveness doesn’t help anyone. So I don’t suggest for a second that SAF is a silver bullet, but it is integral to reaching net zero aviation by 2050 – that’s why we are backing it to the hilt. And by legislating for a price guarantee, we will send a clear signal to investors: that this is a serious opportunity for you.

     It will give certainty to producers looking to grow their UK production, and our £63 million investment in the Advanced Fuels Fund will ensure we start becoming more self-sufficient. 

    I know it is early days, and many technologies are not yet scaled, but SAF sits alongside a range of other levers that we must pull to decarbonise the sector. More efficient aircraft and engines will burn less fuel and play a key role. We are even starting to get ready for zero emission flights. These projects – and more – are supported by nearly £1 billion in government funding for the aerospace technology programme as well as the CAA’s hydrogen in aviation regulatory challenge. And I’ve mentioned it already, but our ongoing commitment to airspace modernisation is key for both growth and decarbonisation, with the potential for quicker and greener flights. 

    Getting all this right matters – it matters for the planet and for the next generation. I don’t have children, but I know what I want for my nieces and nephew.

    A world ravaged by climate change and extreme weather events? Of course not.

    A world where they have been denied the opportunities to travel that I have? No.

    I want them to live life. To fly. To see different places. Experience different cultures. To understand that those who would see countries retreating into their own corners of the globe are on the wrong side of history.  

    So this matters – for the next generation, but also for today. Decarbonising aviation could be worth billions to the economy, and support thousands of jobs. It is an important enabler to our industrial strategy.

    And if we are to be successful, we must embrace partnership.

    I am grateful to many in this room for your involvement in the Jet Zero taskforce, it’s crucial that we pool our resources and expertise – both government and industry – to secure this industry’s future.  

    So, I’ll finish by saying this – the government’s Plan for Change depends on aviation’s success, on the economic value you bring, on the jobs you support, on the trade you facilitate. But that growth depends on us running as fast as we can towards cleaner aviation. It’s the only way to break out of the paralysis successive governments have tolerated.

    The new aviation futures forum will be a crucial vehicle for that work. Some of you may remember this as the Aviation Council – and I’m sorry that we seem to have to rename everything when there’s a change of government. But I hope it’s clear that our commitment is immutable: we are as determined as you are to tackling our shared challenges.

    I don’t just want to talk about challenges though. Because if we continue making the right choices, we will achieve our shared vision of a growing, thriving aviation sector. One that improves both the lives and the livelihoods of people right across the country. Not many sectors so visibly and tangibly sustain both our economy and people’s lives. So let’s make sure, together, that we secure more of those benefits in the future.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Twelve people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Twelve people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed

    The efforts of 12 people, including 7 young cadets, from across Dyfed have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

    Dyfed Lord-Lieutenant standing with Certificate of Merit recipients and the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets of Dyfed. RFCA for Wales copyright.

    In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 5 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Miss Sara Edwards, in the ceremony at Picton Barracks, Carmarthen, on Thursday 20 February.

    The 5 were Lieutenant Aled Davies of Milford Haven Sea Cadets, Lieutenant Steven Grant of Fishguard Sea Cadets, Warrant Officer Jane Sanders of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, Civilian Instructor Lisa Bevan of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets and Flight Sergeant Richard Fisher also of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.

    The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s 7 cadets were recognised and celebrated during the event attended by more than 120 people.

    Leading Cadet Chloe Faulkner of Llanelli Sea Cadets, Leading Cadet Finley Fells of Fishguard Sea Cadets, Cadet Sergeant Zuzanna Radkowska of Dyfed and Glamorgan Army Cadet Force, Cadet Squadron Sergeant Major Archie Measey of Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF, Cadet Sergeant Mariana Lemon of Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF, Cadet Flight Sergeant Katy Moyes of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets and Cadet Flight Sergeant Laura Edwards of  No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets outlined to the audience their time in cadets, including highlights of their role over the last 12 months.

    The role, which continues until September, includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant at a number of official engagements such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

    The 7 were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

    There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities.

    The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteering adult Instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.

    The awards event was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales – an organisation that has supported the armed forces for over 100 years.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Court and tribunal fees: updates from April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Court and tribunal fees: updates from April 2025

    An update on upcoming increases to selected court and tribunal fees.

    In early April 2025, and subject to parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Justice will increase 171 court and tribunal fees to account for changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The income generated from these uplifts will help to support the efficient and effective running of His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).  

    The department recovers a modest contribution towards the costs of providing HMCTS services from court and tribunal users, where they can afford to do so. The department has a history of increasing court and tribunal fees by inflation to ensure that fees keep pace with increased costs to HMCTS as a result of the general rise in prices, while at the same time minimising the cost to the taxpayer.   

    The majority of the 171 fees in scope will be increased by 3.2% to reflect the change in CPI between March 2023 and March 2024, with a small number of fees increased by 13.5% to reflect backdated inflation to March 2022. These fee increases are all rounded to the nearest pound. These fee changes will produce a significant level of additional funding that will go towards improving service delivery, subsidising the cost of related court and tribunal services for which we do not charge a fee, and reducing the overall cost to the taxpayer. 

    The Help with Fees remissions scheme remains available for those with lower financial means who are unable to afford a court or tribunal fee. More information on the scheme can be found on GOV.UK. 

    As well as increasing fees, the department will be reducing the value of a further 24 fees to ensure they remain aligned with the latest estimate of their underlying cost.  

    A full list of the fee changes, including the 171 to be increased and the 24 to be reduced, can be found in the table below. The government’s intention is for the changes to go live from 1 April for applications received by courts or tribunals on or after that date. Until then, the current fees will continue to apply.  

    Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.4a Recovery of Land (High Court) £528 £545
    1.4b Recovery of Land (County Court) £391 £404
    1.5 Any other remedy (County Court) £365 £377
    1.5 Any other remedy (High Court) £626 £646
    1.6 Filing proceedings against an unnamed party £65 £67
    1.8a Permission to issue proceedings £65 £67
    1.8b Assessment of costs (under Part 3, Solicitors Act 1974) £65 £67
    1.9a For permission to apply for judicial review £169 £174
    1.9b On applying for a request to reconsider at a hearing a decision on permission £424 £438
    1.9ba On an application for judicial review where fee 1.9(b) has been paid and permission is granted at a hearing £385 £436
    1.9c Permission to proceed with judicial review if started with application for permission to apply for JR £847 £874
    1.9d Permission to proceed with judicial review where started other than with permission to apply for JR £169 £174
    2.1a Hearing fee: Multi track case £1,175 £1,334
    2.1b Hearing fee: Fast track case £545 £619
    2.2 Appellant’s/respondent’s notice (High Court) £285 £294
    2.3a Appellant’s/respondent’s notice (County court small claims) £142 £147
    2.3b Appellant’s/respondent’s notice (County court other claims) £166 £171
    2.4(a) General application (on notice) excluding Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out £303 £313
    2.4(b) General application (on notice) Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out £184 £190
    2.5(a) General application (by consent/without notice) excluding Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out £119 £123
    2.5(b) General application (by consent/without notice) Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out £59 £61
    2.6 Application for summons or order for witness to attend court £21 £4
    2.8 Issue of a certificate of satisfaction £15 £19
    3.1b Petition for bankruptcy (presented by creditor/other person) £332 £343
    3.4(a) Request for a certificate of discharge from bankruptcy £75 £22
    3.7 Voluntary winding up fee £50 £16
    3.9 Submission of nominees report £35 £11
    3.11 Application within proceedings (by consent/without notice) £29 £30
    3.12 Application within insolvency proceedings (with notice, where no other fee is specified) £109 £112
    3.13 Search of bankruptcy and company records (County Court) £45 £11
    3.2 Petition for an administration order £332 £343
    3.3 Any other petition £332 £343
    3.5 Insolvency – other application £308 £318
    3.8 Notice of intention to appoint administrator £55 £57
    5.3 Issue of default costs certificate – Civil £78 £80
    5.4 Appeal (detailed assessment proceedings) – Civil £274 £283
    5.5 Request/application to set aside a default costs certificate £143 £148
    6.1 On the filing of a request for detailed assessment for Court of Protection £96 £99
    6.2 Appeal against a Court of Protection costs assessment decision £77 £79
    6.3 Request to set aside a default Court of Protection costs certificate £72 £74
    7.1 Sealing a writ of control/possession/delivery (High Court) £78 £80
    7.2 Order requiring a judgment debtor or other person to attend court £65 £67
    7.3a Third party debt order or the appointment of a receiver by way of equitable execution £131 £135
    7.3b Application for a charging order £131 £135
    7.4 Application for a judgment summons £131 £135
    7.5 Register a judgment or order, or for permission to enforce an arbitration award, or for a certificate or a certified copy of a judgment or order for use abroad £78 £80
    8.1 Issue warrant of control £91 £94
    8.2 Request for attempt of execution of a warrant at new address £36 £37
    8.3 Order requiring judgment debtor to attend court £65 £67
    8.4a Application for a third party debt order £131 £135
    8.4b Application for a charging order £131 £135
    8.5 Application for a judgment summons £131 £135
    8.6 Issue of a warrant of possession/warrant of delivery £143 £148
    8.7 Application for an attachment of earnings order – Civil £131 £135
    8.9 Application for enforcement of an award of a sum of money or any other decision made by any court, tribunal, body or person £52 £54
    8A.1 Service by a bailiff of an order to attend County Court for questioning £131 £135
    10.1 Bills of sale £33 £34
    10.4 Appointment of a High Court judge as arbitrator or umpire £671 £692
    10.5 Hearing before a High Court judge (per day or part day) as arbitrator or umpire £671 £692
    11.1 On the issue of a warrant for the arrest of a ship or goods £20 £21
    13.1a Filing an appellant’s/respondent’s notice in the Court of Appeal where permission to appeal/extension of time is applied for £626 £646
    13.1b Filing an appellant’s/respondent’s notice in the Court of Appeal where permission to appeal is not required or has been granted £1,421 £1,466
    13.1c Court of Appeal – Appellant/respondent filing an appeal questionnaire £1,421 £1,466
    13.2 Court of Appeal – On filing a respondent’s notice £569 £587
    13.3 Court of Appeal – On filing an application notice £626 £646

    Magistrates’ Court Fees Order 2008

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1 Application for a justice of the peace to perform function not on court premises £28 £29
    2.1 Application to state a case for the opinion of the High Court £151 £156
    2.2 Appeal (deduction from earnings order) £21 £22
    2.3 Appeal – proceedings under Schedule 5, Licensing Act 2003 £68 £70
    2.4 Appeal (no other fee specified) £68 £70
    3.2 Request for a certificate of satisfaction £18 £19
    3.3 Request for a certified copy of a memorandum of conviction £20 £15
    3.4 Request for certificate/certified document (no fee specified) £22 £23
    4.2 Application for Child Support Liability Order £25 £14
    6.1 Request for licence/consent/authority (no other fee specified) £30 £31
    6.2 Application for renewal/variation of an existing licence £30 £31
    6.3 Application for the revocation of licence (no other fee specified) £30 £31
    7.2 For every oath (etc) where no other fee is specified £30 £31
    8.1 Commencing proceedings where no other fee is specified £249 £284
    8.2a Application for leave/permission to commence proceedings (no other fee specified) £138 £142
    8.2b Commencing proceedings where leave/permission has been granted £138 £142
    8.3 Contested hearing £567 £644
    9.2 Application for any other warrant (no other fee specified) £89 £92
    10.1 Application for a warrant of commitment (council tax proceedings) £264 £212
    10.2 Application for a warrant of commitment (Child Support Act 1991) £45 £46

    Family Proceedings Fees Order 2008

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1 Originating proceedings where no other fee is specified £270 £279
    1.2 Application for a divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution £593 £612
    1.3 Application for matrimonial or civil partnership order £402 £415
    1.5 Amendment of application for matrimonial/civil partnership order £95 £59
    1.6 Answer to application for matrimonial/civil partnership order £245 £234
    1.7 On application for an order of assessment of costs £55 £57
    1.8 Application for parental order £255 £263
    2.1a Parental responsibility (section 4(1)(c) or (3), 4A(1)(b) or(3) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1b Parental responsibility (section 4ZA(1)(c) or (6) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1c Guardians (section 5(1) or 6(7) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1d Section 8 orders (section 10(1) or (2) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1e Enforcement orders (section 11J(2) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1f Compensation for financial loss (section 11O(2) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1g Change of child’s surname or removal from jurisdiction while residence order in force (section 13(1) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1h Special guardianship orders (section 14A(3) or (6)(a), 14C(3) or 14D(1) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1i Secure accommodation order (section 25 of the Children Act 1989) – England £255 £263
    2.1ia Secure accommodation order (section 25 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014) £255 £263
    2.1j Change of child’s surname or removal from jurisdiction while care order in force (section 33(7) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1k Contact with child in care (section 34(2), (3), (4) or (9) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1l Education supervision order (section 36(1) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1m Variation or discharge etc of care and supervision orders (section 39 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1n Child assessment order (section 43(1) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1o Emergency protection orders (sections 44, 45 and 46 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1p Warrant to assist person exercising powers under emergency protection order (section 48 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1q Recovery order (section 50 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1s Warrant to assist person exercising powers to search for children or inspect premises (section 102 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1t Applications in respect of enforcement orders (under Schedule A1 of the Children Act 1989) £112 £116
    2.1u Amendment of enforcement order by reason of change of address (under Schedule A1 of the Children Act 1989) £77 £79
    2.1v Financial provision for children (paragraph 1(1) or (4), 2(1) or (5), 5(6), 6(5), (7) or (8), 8(2), 10(2), 11 or 14(1) of Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1w Approval of court for child in care of local authority to live abroad (paragraph 19(1) of Schedule 2 of the Children Act 1989) – England £255 £263
    2.1wa Approval of court for child in care of local authority to live abroad (Wales) £255 £263
    2.1x Extension of supervision order (paragraph 6 of Schedule 3 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1y Extension or discharge of education supervision order (paragraph 15(2) or 17(1) of Schedule 3 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1z Appeals concerning foster parents (paragraph 8(1) of Schedule 8 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.2 Care and supervision order (Section 31 of the Children Act 1989) £2,437 £2,515
    2.3 Appeal relating to Children Act fees 2.1(a) to 2.1(s) (v) to (y) and 2.2) £237 £245
    2.4 Appeal against a contribution order – England £237 £245
    2.5 Appeal against a contribution order – Wales £237 £245
    2.6(a) Section 72 Cancellation, variation or removal or imposition of condition of registration of child minder or day carer (England) £255 £263
    2.6(b) Section 34 Cancellation of registration of child minder or day carer (Wales) £255 £263
    2.7 Commencing child mind or day carer appeal for application (England or Wales) £237 £245
    3.1 Application/permission to apply for adoption £201 £207
    3.2 Application for a placement order (under Section 22 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002) £539 £556
    3.3 Application to the High Court with regards to inherent jurisdiction with respect to children £201 £207
    4.1 On an application for a warning notice to be attached to a contact order £54 £56
    5.1 Application (without notice) £58 £60
    5.2 Application for decree nisi, conditional order, separation order (no fee if undefended) £59 £61
    5.3 Application (on notice) (unless otherwise listed) £184 £190
    5.4 Application for a financial order (other than consent order) £303 £313
    6.1 Filing an appeal notice from a district judge, one or more lay justices, a justices’ clerk or an assistant to a justices’ clerk £138 £142
    7.2 Search of central index of parental responsibility agreements £45 £17
    9.2(d) On filing a request for detailed assessment where fee 9.1 does not apply £1,345 £1,365
    9.3 Issue of default costs certificate £65 £18
    9.4 Appeal (detailed assessment proceedings) – Family £231 £238
    9.5 Request/application to set aside a default costs certificate £121 £125
    10.2 Application for a maintenance order to be registered under the Maintenance Orders 1950 or 1958 Act £55 £57
    11.1 Application for order for financial provision £237 £245
    12.1 Application to question a judgment debtor or other person £59 £61
    12.2 Application for a third party debt order/appointment of a receiver £85 £88
    12.3 Application for a charging order £42 £43
    12.4 Application for a judgment summons £80 £83
    12.5 Application for an attachment of earnings order – Family £37 £38
    13.1 Application for enforcement of a judgment or order – warrant of control against goods £110 £114
    13.2 On a request for further attempt at execution of a warrant at a new address where the warrant has been returned to the court not executed £30 £6
    13.3 Issue for a warrant of possession or a warrant of delivery £131 £135
    14.1 Sealing a writ of execution/possession/delivery £66 £68
    14.2 On a request or application to register a judgment or order; or for permission to enforce an arbitration award; or for a certified copy of a judgment or order for use abroad £66 £68
    15.1 Request for service by a bailiff of document (see order for exceptions) £45 £46

    Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) Fees Order 2009

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1 Permission to appeal r21 £242 £250
    2 Notice of reference r28 / appeal r24 £303 £313
    3 Absent owner application (Compulsory Purchase Act 1965) £550 £624
    4 Restrictive covenant application r32 re s84 Law of Property Act 1925 £968 £999
    5a Rights of light application r41 to s2 Rights of Light Act 1959 – Definitive certificate £1,320 £775
    5b Rights of light application r41 to s2 Rights of Light Act 1959 – Temporary & Definitive certificate £1,650 £761
    6 Interlocutory application £121 £125
    11a Hearing as to entitlement – s84 Law of Property Act 1925 – discharge/modify restrictive covenant £605 £624
    11b Order without hearing (r46) – s84 Law of Property Act 1925 – discharge/modify restrictive covenant £275 £166
    11c Substantive hearing of originating application – s84 Law of Property Act 1925 – discharge/modify restrictive covenant £1,210 £1,249
    11d Engrossing Minutes of Order – s84 Law of Property Act 1925 – discharge/modify restrictive covenant £220 £41
    12 Hearing or preliminary hearing of reference/appeal (no amount awarded) £605 £624

    Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) (Judicial Review) (England and Wales) Fees Order 2011

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1 Permission to apply for Judicial Review £169 £174
    1.1a Judicial Review – Oral renewal £424 £438
    1.2a Proceed with Judicial Review – permission granted at oral hearing £385 £436
    1.2b Proceeding with Judicial Review after permission granted £847 £874
    1.3 Permission for Judicial Review – permission to proceed where proceedings started otherwise than by application for permission £169 £174
    2.1 Judicial Review General Application – On notice (where no other fee is specified) £281 £290
    2.2 Judicial Review General Application – By consent or without notice (where no other fee is specified) £110 £114
    2.3 Judicial Review – Application for a summons or order for a witness to attend the Tribunal £55 £57

    Non-Contentious Probate Fees Order 2004

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    3.1 Duplicate/second grant for same deceased person £20 £21
    6 Deposit of wills £22 £23
    7 Inspection of will/other document retained by the registry £20 £23
    11 Settling documents £4 £5

    First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Fees Order 2013

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1 Commence proceedings (application or appeal) in a leasehold or residential property case, where no other fees applies £110 £114
    1.2 File proceedings for approval of the exercise of a power of entry £110 £114
    1.3 Mobile homes application (pitch fee other than Local Authority sites) £22 £23
    1.4 Mobile Homes – Application for determination to take into account cost of owner improvements – para 1.4 £22 £23
    1.5 Mobile Homes – Determination of Local Authority pitch fee £22 £23
    1.6 Mobile Homes – Application for determination to take into account cost of owner improvements – para 1.6 £22 £23
    2.1 Notice of hearing date for 1.1 or 1.2 application – only one payable if applications joined together £220 £227

    First-tier Tribunal (Gambling) Fees Order 2010

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – casino operating licence s65(2)(a) £14,000 £4,521
    1.3* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – general betting operating licence s65(2)(c) £10,000 £4,521
    1.4* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – pool betting operating licence s65(2)(d) £10,000 £4,521
    1.5* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – better intermediary operating licence s65(2)(e) £10,000 £4,521
    1.10* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – lottery operating licence s65(2)(j) £9,400 £4,521
    1.11 Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – personal management office licence s127 £1,760 £1,816
    1.12 Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – personal operational function licence s127 of that Act £880 £908
    2 Appeal s337(1) Gambling Act 2005 – order to void a bet s336(1) £9,400 £4,521

    Court of Protection Fees Order 2007

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    4 Application fee (Article 4) £408 £421
    5 Appeal fee (Article 5) £257 £265
    6 Hearing fee (Article 6) £494 £259

    Gender Recognition (Application Fees) Order 2006

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    2 Application for a Gender Recognition Certificate £5 £6

    *Please note that fees 1.1 – 1.10 in the First-tier Tribunal (Gambling) Fees Order 2010 will all be consolidated under one fee at £4,521 from 1st April.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Burke welcomes €23 million in Shared Island Development Tourism funding

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    25th February 2025

    • The government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.
    • Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland continue to build on the strong relationships already developed with the local authorities in both jurisdictions.

    Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, today welcomed funding of up to €23 million for three Shared Island Tourism Destination projects. 

    Carlingford Lough: A network of trailheads, trails and water access points will be delivered across the region; increasing connectivity between tourism assets and complemented by delivery of a Destination Experience Strategy to promote the region. The investment will harness the benefits of the Narrow Water Bridge as a lynchpin for sustainable tourism and recreation activity around the whole Carlingford Lough area.

    Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark: The trail network will be developed to link existing trails North and South of the border; enhancing and further linking the regional tourism offering at Cuilcagh and the wider cross-border UNESCO Global Geopark. Trail development will provide connectivity between the Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Boardwalk and on to Cavan Burren Park and include interpretation, wayfinding and infrastructure, including a community-based interpretative centre at Glangevlin village.

    Sliabh Beagh: Extensive connected walking, cycling, equestrian cross-border trails around Sliabh Beagh Mountain will be developed along the border, with the inclusion of trailheads and gateways. Trail development will also include interpretation, wayfinding and other facility development.

    Minister Burke said:

    “I welcome the announcement of this significant funding, which will boost the all-island economy and benefit communities north and south of the border. These projects have the potential to deliver sustained economic, social and environmental benefits across counties in both jurisdictions.  Communities on either side of the border Ireland continue to collaborate in creating a place that they are proud to share with others, delivering a warm welcome and the promise of a memorable holiday.”  

    ENDS

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster City Council’s housing inspection result | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has confirmed that Westminster City Council has achieved a C1 rating following an inspection of its housing services. This is the highest possible rating, indicating that the Council meets the consumer standards set by the regulator and effectively addresses and resolves problems when they are identified.

    The Council is the first Local Authority in London to achieve this rating to date. The inspection involved a detailed review of documents, an on-site inspection and attendance at resident engagement meetings. The regulator also met with staff and residents to better understand their experiences.

    The inspection follows significant focus and investment by the Council in improving its housing services. In Spring 2023, Westminster City Council introduced a housing improvement programme, which has included a focus on improving repairs, complaints and our support for the most vulnerable residents. Central to this has been a focus on improving the frontline service offer, including opening more service centres and a focus on engaging and listening to our residents.

    The council has acknowledged there is still more to do, and this result does not mean it always gets everything right. The housing teams are committed to continuing to learn from residents and provide opportunities for them to influence how to further improve our services. This involves continuing the improvement journey which is shaped by the feedback from the inspection and what residents are saying.

    Councillor Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, stated:

    We welcome the findings from the Regulator of Social Housing, which demonstrates the significant progress we’ve made in improving our housing services over recent years. 

    This C1 rating provides an important validation of the steps we have taken to improve the leadership, governance and performance of our housing services and reflects the achievements so far. However, we know that there is still much to do to ensure residents receive the best possible service, and we fully acknowledge that this result does not mean we always get everything right. 

    Our improvement plans are still underway, and we will continue to work closely with residents, tenant management organisations and partners to drive continuous improvement.   

    We’re committed to listening to residents and acting on their feedback to ensure all our tenants have a safe, secure and well-maintained home.  

    Thank you to all the residents, staff, and partners who contributed to the inspection process. The feedback that we have received has been key in helping us deliver better homes, and services across Westminster.

    To read the full inspection report, please visit: gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local people asked for their views about the future of Newton Heath

    Source: City of Manchester

    A consultation has opened today (Weds 26 Feb) asking the Newton Heath community for feedback around what investment they would like to see in their district centre.

    The engagement opportunity will look at how best to unlock the potential of the north Manchester neighbourhood as part of a city-wide approach to investing in and improving the city’s high streets.  

    The responses from local people will help the Council to develop a long-term plan for Newton Heath – or Neighbourhood Development Framework (NDF) – that will help guide future development and improvements in the neighbourhood.  

    Currently the draft NDF focuses on a range of possible investment opportunities: 

    • Providing new high-quality housing 
    • A new public square and better public spaces that are more welcoming, safe and enjoyable 
    • Improving and expanding community facilities such as the library 
    • Improving health care facilities
    • Creating a more vibrant ‘high street’ (Old Church Street) by improving the shopping environment 
    • Measures to help reduce peak traffic congestion 
    • Making it easier to move around on foot or by bicycle 

    Local people and businesses can respond to the consultation online or complete a paper copy of the survey at Newton Heath Library.  

    Two in-person drop-in events will also allow visitors to take a look at a range of display boards and speak to the team to find out more.  

    The sessions will take place at Newton Heath Library, Old Church Street, M40 2JB on: 

    • Friday 28 February , 10:00 am to 2:00 pm  
    • Saturday 1 March,      09:30 am to midday 

    The consultation about the future of Newton Heath’s district centre will close on Sunday 23 March 2025. 

    This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 

    Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:

    “We have made a clear commitment to investing in Manchester’s high streets, which are the heart and soul of our communities. Already we have key projects nearing completion in Gorton and Withington – and key schemes on the way in Moston and Wythenshawe. 

    “This is about understanding what services and facilities our residents need and want from the district centres and working in collaboration with communities to invest in the right things.  

    “That’s why engagement opportunities like this are so important. This is the chance for local people to have their say and help guide the long-term development plan for Newton Heath.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 5,000 Christmas trees recycled to help local parks

    Source: City of Manchester

    Local parks in Manchester are still wrapped up in the festive buzz following last year’s drive to encourage people to recycle their Christmas tree. 

    Over the festive season, the Council announced that residents could dispose of their Christmas tree at designated drop off points around the city to help with recycling or they could get a collection from a local charity, and thousands of residents responded.  

    Figures produced from the end of last year to January 2025, show that 5, 309 Christmas trees were recycled. 

    The chippings processed at Wythenshawe Park and Boggart Hole Clough will go on to be used in some form in local parks around Manchester.   

    In partnership with local charity Just Helping, who fundraise for Francis House hospice, the We Love Manchester charity and St Ann’s hospice, we raised £117, 675 for local hospices and charities as well as saved a an estimated 84, 944kg on CO2 emissions.  

    Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s fantastic to see how the push for recycling Christmas trees last year has resulted in pouring back into our local communities with over 350 trees collected from our designated drop-off points.  

    “Manchester parks will directly benefit from recycled chippings, we’ve saved 84, 944kg of CO2 emissions and raised over £117,000 to go into the charity sector. Just Helping have played a key role in this success and we look forward to advancing this recycling initiative year on year.” 

    Georgia Vacher, Manchester Collection Lead for Just Helping, said: “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved in Manchester this year. Our incredible team of volunteers braved all kinds of weather to collect thousands of trees, and the generosity of our supporters has been overwhelming.  

    “This is so much more than a fundraiser – it’s a way for the community to come together to support amazing causes like St Ann’s Hospice, Francis House Children’s Hospice, We Love MCR and other charities across Manchester, while also helping the environment. A huge thank you to everyone who registered their tree and donated. Together, we’re making a difference.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trials for contactless ticketing in the North and Midlands takes another step closer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Trials for contactless ticketing in the North and Midlands takes another step closer

    Contactless will offer simpler ticketing and a better experience for rail customers.

    • contactless ticketing is on its way to the North and Midlands with trials later this year 
    • Yorkshire and the East Midlands will be the first to try out the new simpler way to travel 
    • part of wider moves to overhaul the railways to put passenger experience at the forefront

    Plans to trial simpler and more flexible ticketing across the North and Midlands have taken one step closer this week with trials on track for later this year.

    The government is kickstarting the procurement process to find the suppliers who will run the technology for the trials across the East Midlands and Yorkshire. The successful bidders will work alongside Northern and East Midlands Railways to deliver the trials.

    Unlike the previous roll out of pay as you go, these trials will use Global Positioning System (GPS) based technology. This will track your location on your train journey, ensuring you pay the best fare for the journey you take. For ticket inspections and to go through ticket barriers, a unique bar code will pop up in the app to be scanned. 

    The use of contactless ticketing offers passengers simpler, more accessible and more flexible train travel as well as a guarantee of the best value ticket on the day. By saving both time and money on a number of journeys, the trials will help to improve living standards and make working people better off – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    Backed by government funding, the trials are part of plans to modernise our transport system, put passenger experience at the heart of the railways and drive more people back onto trains building on the government’s mission to deliver growth.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

    We’ve seen the success that contactless ticketing has on making journeys easier to navigate and attracting more people to our railways.

    It’s only right that we now look to expand contactless ticketing to other major cities across the North and Midlands, ensuring they can reap the economic benefits that simpler ticketing offers and that passengers are having a better experience.

    Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said:

    We are proud to support the pay as you go trials in Yorkshire and East Midlands. This is another step in making fares and ticketing easier for everyone.

    We are committed to developing a simpler fare system that not only meets passengers’ expectations but also supports the long-term growth of rail travel making customers experience of the railway better.

    This follows the roll out of contactless ticketing at 53 stations across the South East. In the first 6 months of contactless ticketing being available at the first 6 stations, more than 268,000 entries and exits were made using contactless cards or mobile devices – showing how popular the system is with customers using those stations already. 

    The department is also working closely with Greater Manchester and the West Midlands to develop their proposals for rolling out contactless ticketing even further.

    Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said:

    Historically, ticketing across the rail industry has been far too complicated and so anything that makes the customer experience simpler has my vote.

    We’ve already seen a huge swing away from physical tickets to digital alternatives, which now make up over 80% of journeys on our network. The option to pay as you go is a development of that trend which we’re looking forward to introducing on selected routes very soon.

    Oli Cox, Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Planning at East Midlands Railway, said:

    We’re excited to be trialling digital pay as you go between Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester, making rail travel simpler and more convenient for our customers.

    We know that complex fares can sometimes be a barrier to travel, and this trial will help to remove that uncertainty – allowing customers to simply tap in and out via their phone – confident that they’re getting the best value fare for their journey.

    Last week, the government launched a consultation on a landmark bill to rewire Britain’s railways, including committing to a further overhaul of ticketing and setting up a powerful passenger watchdog to give passengers a voice and hold train operators to account.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TfL Commissioner faces Assembly questions

    Source: Mayor of London

    80% of all trips in London should be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport by 2041. That’s the target in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy which sets out the Mayor of London’s vision for the future of transport in the capital. Will that goal be met?

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Transport Committee will ask the Deputy Mayor for Transport and the Transport for London (TfL) Commissioner about progress towards meeting the Strategy’s ambitions, the Vision Zero target for no deaths or serious injuries on London’s transport network, bus services, and more.

    The guests are:

    From 10am:

    • Andy Lord, TfL Commissioner
    • Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKIFS seeks exceptional talent to shape the future of fusion

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UKIFS seeks exceptional talent to shape the future of fusion

    UKIFS launches search for exceptional talent to shape the future of fusion energy

    Image credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions

    UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), the organisation responsible for delivering the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, is excited to launch the recruitment process for seven senior technical roles that are central to the future success of the programme. 

    The positions we’re recruiting are:  

    • Deputy Chief Engineer 
    • Head of Tokamak Machine 
    • Design Chief Architect Engineer 
    • Head of Engineering Assurance 
    • Head of Whole Plant Performance 
    • Head of Engineering – Fuel Cycle 
    • Head of Engineering – Power & Cooling 

    The people appointed to these roles will be key to the successful delivery of the technical programme, adding significant weight to the senior leadership team within the programme.  

    STEP is the programme to deliver the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040 and a path to the commercial viability of fusion, as a safe, low-carbon and near-limitless energy source. The key objectives of the programme are to demonstrate net energy production from fusion as well as fuel self-sufficiency and a route to plant maintenance for future fusion power plants.  

    This recruitment drive marks the beginning of a significant expansion of roles across the programme, with many more expected through the year. 

    All positions can be based at either Culham Campus in Oxfordshire, or the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire. 

    Paul Methven – CEO of UKIFS and Senior Responsible Officer for STEP said: 

    UKIFS is a new and exciting organisation, working to prove that fusion energy can make a meaningful difference to address climate change and energy security, by delivering net energy. This is a project that really could change the world, place the UK in the lead of a key global technology and generate real economic value for the country. 

    We are very excited to be launching our search for these roles, which are fundamental to the technical success of the project and are looking forward to receiving applications from people working in these areas of engineering, not only those in fusion but across adjacent industries. 

    We’d love you to join us.

    About UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd   

    UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group, responsible for the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme to deliver the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.  

    Targeting first operations in 2040, UKIFS will lead STEP’s integrated delivery team to design and build the prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton, a former coal-fired power station site in Nottinghamshire.

    To sign-up for updates about STEP, visit: step.ukaea.uk or follow our social channels @STEPtoFusion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than £100 million in Indian investment creating UK jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    More than £100 million in Indian investment creating UK jobs

    New Indian investment deals worth over £100 million demonstrate investors’ confidence in the UK.

    • UK welcomes latest Indian investments, demonstrating investors’ confidence in doing business 

    • New deals will create jobs as the government continues to focus on delivering economic growth under the Plan for Change 

    • Recent Indian budget drives more opportunity for UK insurance companies to expand presence in India 

    Recent investment wins for the UK worth over £100 million from Indian companies are being celebrated as proof the government’s Plan for Change is providing global investors with the confidence they need to do business in the UK. 

    Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has been in New Delhi this week, as the UK Government relaunched talks on a trade deal with India to bring more opportunity to UK businesses and deliver on its core mission to grow the economy, as part of the Plan for Change.  

    UK Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson is in Bangaluru on the second leg of a two-city visit to India to bang the drum for Britain, champion free trade and promote exciting investment opportunities in the UK economy.   

    Recent Indian investments in the UK cover a range of sectors including AI, professional services and textiles and are expected to create hundreds of new jobs over the next three years. 

    This continues the trend of strong Indian investment into the UK in recent years, with the last year-on-year change showing the value of inward FDI stock from India having increased 28% at the end of 2023. India has remained the second largest investor in terms of number of projects into the UK for five consecutive years. 

    The deals come as UK insurance companies gain more potential to expand in India thanks to the recent Indian budget which increased the amount of FDI permitted in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    “These investment deals will deliver more than £100 million for the UK economy, creating jobs, strengthening growth, and helping working people.  

    “They prove that the government’s Plan for Change is giving Indian businesses the confidence they need to continue investing in Britain.  

    “Now the UK will strive to be more ambitious and collaborative than ever before as we show the world why the UK is the best place to invest.” 

    The investment announcements include: 

    • Aaseya Technologies, professional services company specialising in digital transformation through automation, is growing its presence in London and creating up to 250 new jobs over three years with a £25 million investment.  

    • Sastra Robotics is investing £8 million in Manchester over three years, creating 75 new jobs. The investment aims to expand the company’s robotics innovation and development. This is the first time a robotics company from South India has invested in the UK. 

    • AI CyberIntel company Deepcytes has set up its global headquarters in London, investing £5 million and creating 80 jobs in the next three years to combat problems of anti-bullying and cyber frauds.  

    • University Living, a global student housing managed marketplace, plan to open a new UK office, investing £10 million and creating 50 jobs over three years. 

    • One of the largest producers of hand-knotted rugs in India, Jaipur Rugs have opened a store in London and are looking to create 75 jobs through a £5 million investment over the next three years.  

    • Time Cinemas have established their global headquarters in the UK, introducing The Black Box by Time, an innovative, patent applied, cloud platform solution that empowers filmmakers, content creators, producers, and distributors to reach out to a much wider cinema audience across geographies. This expansion will create 75 new jobs in London over the next three years, supported by a capital expenditure of £20 million. 

    • Novigo solutions, a technology-focused organisation specialising in end-to-end IT services, technology consulting, business consulting, analytics, and robotic process automation, has started its operation in Warwick by investing £12 million and creating 75 jobs over three years.  

    • Test Yantra, one of India’s largest testing and training services companies, is investing £10 million and creating 100 jobs over the next three years.  

    • Zoondia software, a leading provider of technology solutions, AI solutions, custom software development, IOT, data analytics and resource augmentation areas, is investing £10 million and creating 60 jobs over three years.   

    Notes to editors 

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK firms rake in ‘tens of millions’ in exports to India

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK firms rake in ‘tens of millions’ in exports to India

    Companies in the UK’s tech and life sciences sectors have announced expansions in India which will amount to tens of millions of pounds for the UK economy.

    • Over 600 UK companies, including in cutting-edge tech and life sciences sectors, are already based in India  

    • UK businesses exported a total of £17 billion goods and services to India in the 12 months to September 2024 

    • A trade deal which brings down barriers could make selling to this huge market easier and cheaper for businesses, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change 

    Companies in the UK’s tech and life sciences sectors are making huge strides in global markets and going for growth by announcing expansions in India. 

    UK tech and science firms are thriving thanks to deals and partnerships valued at tens of millions of pounds, involving everything from supplying internet-based learning to pupils in disadvantaged communities to helping improve outcomes for patients undergoing complex surgery in hospitals. 

    Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has been in New Delhi this week, as the UK Government relaunched talks on a trade deal with India to bring more opportunity to UK businesses and deliver on its core mission to grow the economy, as part of the Plan for Change. 

    Already an economic heavyweight, India is expected to become the fourth largest importer by 2035, presenting new opportunities for UK businesses. In the year to September 2024, UK businesses exported a total of £17 billion goods and services to India. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

    “Tech and life sciences are two huge growth sectors for the UK economy that feature at the heart of our Industrial Strategy.  

    “I’m proud that government support has helped some of our finest businesses in these sectors to expand into the exciting Indian market. 

    “It’s great to see them going for growth, and their successes will amount to tens of millions of pounds for the UK economy, which will see living standards improve, and put money in people’s pockets.” 

    UK businesses expanding their exports into India include: 

    • Manufacturer of RF solutions to mobile networks, defence, and aerospace markets Radio Design, headquartered in Shipley, has expanded its global operations with a manufacturing facility in India.   

    • Global Tech operations for Marcus Evans Group, London-based specialists in high-impact and bespoke events, are now established in Mumbai.  

    • Appliansys, an innovative tech company based in Coventry whose internet-based education supports students in low or no internet areas, has worked with Tata Motors and developed a pilot which will be used across almost 5,000 Indian schools.   

    • Leicester-based chemicals company Microfresh has now rolled out its smart antimicrobial technology across multiple Indian textile and leather players. 

    • A digital health tech business headquartered in London, Novocuris has begun operating in multiple Indian hospitals. 

    • Keele-based Biocomposites is supplying hospitals in India with its medical devices for use in complex bone, joint, and musculoskeletal infections. 

    • York business Optibiotix Health has entered into a long-term partnership with Morepen Laboratories with its brand “Light life” containing its patented, award-winning and clinically tested SlimBiome, used as a pre-meal and on-the-go meal product.  

    • REM3DY Health, a Birmingham based advanced manufacturing business has partnered with a leading Indian pharmacy giant to bring its innovative gummy vitamin products to India with discussions ongoing to expand into even more personalised solutions in the future.  

    Notes to editors: 

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Waverley report published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Waverley report published

    Contact made by a paddle steamer with Brodick pier, Isle of Arran, Scotland.

    Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the heavy contact made by the paddle steamer Waverley with the eastern pier at Brodick, Isle of Arran, Scotland on 3 September 2020.

    The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened and subsequent actions taken.

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    Published 26 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sense-sational improvements to Cliffdale Primary Academy

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Children at a special school in Hilsea have had their learning spaces transformed with a sensory room created for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), thanks to work by Portsmouth City Council, and Vale Southern Construction Ltd.

    Students at Cliffdale Primary Academy can now enjoy new and improved learning spaces, benefitting from extra classrooms, outdoor areas and a sensory room, thanks to an extensive programme of works at the school.

    The capital projects service (consisting of architects, engineers, project managers and construction inspectors) from the council worked with Vale Southern Construction Ltd to construct two extensions adding new classrooms and staff facilities as well as smaller teaching spaces and a specialist sensory room. This development will be supporting students with SEND providing suitably specialist places which are also calming and encourage learning.

    The architects kept a close eye on detail, amongst other things creating unique triangle patterns in the brickwork of the new classroom to represent the neurodiversity in the school and wider population. The interior of each triangle is unique to represent the neurodiversity in the school and wider population.

    Outdoor spaces are particularly important at Cliffdale, supporting the development and wellbeing of the pupils.  Small outdoor spaces have been created for each classroom as a calm environment to aid learning.  An improved nature area has been created to support the existing wildlife on the site with trees and hedges planted to encourage further inhabitants.

    To reduce the school’s impact on the environment, the new building has been designed to minimise energy use and has solar panels on the roof to generate electricity and a drainage system designed to reduce its load on the local drainage system in times of heavy rain.  Large crates have been installed below the ground which can hold 30m3 of water or 30,000 litres of water which is about 375 baths and fill up with rainwater releasing it into the sewer network at a reduced rate to ease the pressure on the network.

    Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children Families and Education said:

    “It’s wonderful to see the incredible efforts of our in-house capital projects team, along with contractors, in supporting schools that aid and nurture our young people with SEND. This collaborative initiative has resulted in improved spaces for young individuals at Cliffdale Primary Academy, providing essential environments for those who need it most.”

    Sharon Burt, Chief Executive Officer at Solent Academies Trust said:

    “We are absolutely thrilled with the improvements made to Cliffdale Primary Academy. The new classrooms, sensory room, and outdoor spaces provide our pupils with the environment they deserve to thrive in. The sensory room, in particular, offers a calming, inclusive space that caters to the diverse needs of our children. These changes, made possible by the collaboration between Portsmouth City Council and Vale Southern Construction Ltd., will have a lasting, positive impact on the wellbeing and learning of our pupils. We are very grateful for the support in making our school a place where all children can learn in the very best specialist educational environment.”

    The wider Capital Projects Team provide many multi-disciplinary professional services including building project management, architectural & structural design, mechanical & electrical engineering, energy services and property and construction consultancy. If you have an upcoming building project, contact Patrick.legget@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Talented Athlete Scheme allows Isle of Wight sporting stars to shine 26 February 2025 Talented Athlete Scheme allows Isle of Wight sporting stars to shine

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Almost 80 Island sporting stars have been selected for the Isle of Wight Council’s Talented Athlete Scheme for 2025.

    Gifted sportsmen and women competing at county level or higher in a non-professional capacity receive support to help them progress within their chosen sports.

    Wightlink has sponsored the scheme since its creation in 2013, providing athletes with discounted travel to help with travel to mainland events and training.

    Scheme participants also have access to the council’s leisure facilities through 1Leisure and receive discounts with specialist sports and health businesses on the Island: Love Running, Cowes Chiropractic Clinic, RMA Sports Injury Clinic, Physio Care (Isle of Wight), Sports Performance Centre and Amanda Buggy Soft Tissue Therapy & Nutrition.

    This year’s scheme supports 78 athletes aged between 9 and 86, with many of those new to the scheme for 2025, in sports ranging from athletics to underwater hockey, and sailing to gymnastics.

    After making his debut on the list last year, nine-year-old Finn Husson has again qualified. The talented squash player from Niton has recently broken into the under-11 top 20 at national level and has ambitions to reach the top five in England. He has already competed in the British Junior Championships.

    His dad, Chris, said: “It’s fair to say that the help we receive from The Talented Athlete Scheme is the only way that we can achieve all of this and we are truly grateful that we get the opportunity to compete with those on the mainland.

    “We feel like part of a wider community representing the Island and being supported by its businesses is truly something.”

    Veterans of the scheme include 86-year-old Jenny Ball from Newport, who remains a formidable competitor in the pool, travelling around the country to take part in British Masters events.

    She said: “I am very privileged to be an Isle of Wight Council/Wightlink sponsored masters swimmer and am proud to represent both the Island and Wightlink.

    “The help with ferry costs is especially appreciated, as I travel to the mainland for all but one of my competitions and championships, annually.”

    Wightlink chief executive, Katy Taylor, said: “We know how important this support is for athletes across a massive range of sports and it has been a pleasure seeing athletes on the scheme excel.

    “I am looking forward to following the progress of this year’s Talented Athletes and sharing their successes via our social media channels.

    “I hope to meet up with many of them in person at our next Wightlink in the Community meet and greet event.”

    Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration, business development, and tourism, said: “It’s great to see our young sportspeople succeeding. I’m pleased that the council continues to support the Talented Athlete Scheme with help from our sponsors. This vital support enables our talented sportspeople to continue developing and competing at national and international levels.

    “I look forward to hearing about this year’s participants; I’m confident they will represent the Island well and meet their personal objectives over the next 12 months.”

    A full list of the athletes supported via the Talented Athlete Scheme is available on the Wightlink website.

    PHOTO: From left: Jenny Ball, Talented Athlete, Martin Gulliver, Wightlink Island port operation manager, Sam Woodman, Wightlink partnerships marketing manager, Finn Husson, Talented Athlete, Alec Broome, Isle of Wight Council sports development and events officer.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RSH publishes regulatory judgements for 11 social landlords

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    RSH publishes regulatory judgements for 11 social landlords

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today published regulatory judgements for 11 social landlords. 

    ForHousing has been upgraded from G3 to G2 following a period of intensive engagement. The landlord has delivered an agreed improvement plan, including significant restructuring that involved removing an unregistered parent and disposal of its interest in another unregistered company that was part of the same parent group.   

    It has strengthened its control framework and improved its oversight of strategic risks. The board has been able to evidence that it has full, independent control over decisions that impact its outcomes.  

    ForHousing needs to continue to make improvements in its governance and risk management as it reviews the effectiveness of the changes it has made.  

    Two landlords, West Lancashire Borough Council and City of Westminster Council, received C1 gradings. This means that overall they are delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and they have demonstrated that they identify when issues occur and put plans in place to remedy and minimise recurrence.  

    The London Borough of Wandsworth, Central Bedfordshire Council, and Anchor Hanover Group failed to meet the outcomes of RSH’s consumer standards and received C3 gradings.  

    During a planned inspection of the London Borough of Wandsworth, RSH found:  

    • Around 40% of homes and almost 80% of communal areas had not had an electrical safety test.  
    • Almost 1,800 overdue fire safety remedial actions, all of which were more than 12 months overdue.  
    • Only 6.5% of its 17,000 total homes had been surveyed in the last ten years  
    • Weaknesses in how tenants’ views are taken into account in decision making.  

    During an inspection of Central Bedfordshire Council, RSH found:  

    • More than 1,800 overdue repairs orders.  
    • More than 300 outstanding fire safety actions arising from fire risk assessments had not been tracked by age or prioritised by urgency.  
    • No tracking, monitoring, or reporting of the number and age of damp and mould cases.  
    • A limited range of opportunities for tenants to scrutinise their landlord’s performance and influence how its housing services are delivered  

    Following responsive engagement with Anchor Hanover Group, RSH found:  

    • Over a third of its homes did not have a current satisfactory electrical safety inspection report  
    • A significant backlog of electrical remedial actions 
    • Incomplete and unreliable information available on the presence of damp and mould 
    • Weaknesses across landlord health and safety, including fire safety and water hygiene 

    RSH has also placed Anchor Hanover Group on its gradings under review list. RSH is currently investigating matters which may impact on whether the landlord continues to meet the governance elements of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard.  

    RSH is engaging intensively with all three social landlords as they work to address the issues identified in each of the cases.  

    Mansfield District Council and Waverley Borough Council received C2 gradings.   

    RSH also published regulatory judgements for three further landlords following stability checks.  

    Peabody Trust and One Manchester retained their current G1/V2 gradings, while Bolton at Home retained its G2/V2 gradings.  

    Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:  

    “As we approach the end of the first year of our programmed inspections, we are continuing to see a broad spectrum of gradings – though it is still too early to draw concrete trends. 

    “While our engagement is the most intensive with landlords that fail to meet the outcomes of our standards, even landlords that receive a C1 grading have room for improvement.   

    “Along with our consumer regulation, our scrutiny of governance and financial viability remains as important as ever. Landlords must have rigorous oversight of strategic risk and continue to stress test their financial plans. Without strong governance, landlords will not be able to deliver more and better social homes for tenants.   

    “We can confirm that we have placed Anchor Hanover Group on the gradings under review list. The outcome of the investigation will be confirmed in a regulatory judgement, once completed.”

    All the judgements published today can be found on the Regulatory Judgements and Enforcement Notices page.

    Notes to Editors  

    1. On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of inspections for all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.  

    2. RSH carries out stability checks on all housing associations, and other private registered providers, who own 1,000 homes or more. The stability checks are a yearly exercise. We look at the financial information landlords have submitted to us (including their most recent business plan and annual accounts) and consider if there are any risks which might result in a change to their financial viability or governance gradings.  The checks do not include local authorities because our governance and financial viability standard does not apply to them.  

    3. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.  

    4. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.

    5. For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor to meet G20 finance ministers in South Africa

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Chancellor to meet G20 finance ministers in South Africa

    At the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in South Africa the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will make the case for defence investment, declaring that it’s the “bedrock of economic growth”.

    • Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, touches down in South Africa for the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting today, 26 February.
    • At the meeting Rachel Reeves will make clear that a strong defence is the “bedrock of economic growth” and make the case for “free and fair trade.”
    • Follows the PM’s commitment to boost the UK’s defence spending by £13.4 billion to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and the British Government’s steadfast support for the people of Ukraine.

    Following the PM’s announcement yesterday, the Chancellor will state that in a dangerous world the UK will not shy away from bolstering defence spending and will set out our ambition to raise UK defence spending further to 3% by the next parliament, subject to economic and fiscal conditions. 

    Protecting national security to protect the economy will also be a key message that the Chancellor will set out on the global stage today as she attends the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. 

    The UK is already the third largest defence spender in NATO in cash terms, and this government has already boosted defence spending by almost £3 billion at the Autumn Budget. 

    The Chancellor will also reaffirm our commitment to European defence and encourage other European allies at the G20 to boost their defence spending in line with the UK in response to the security threats we face.   

    She will also discuss the possibilities for like-minded countries to mobilise private finance to maximise our financial resources for defence.

    The government’s commitment to invest in defence will protect UK citizens from threats at home but will also create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: 

    It’s clear we are facing a more dangerous world, and I will not hide from this reality. This is the moment for us all to step up – and together with our European partners we will go further and faster on defence. 

    National security will always be the first responsibility of this government and is the bedrock economic growth. Through intelligent investment, relentless reform, and free and fair trade – the most reliable driver of global growth – we can deliver sustainable growth that puts more money into the pockets of working people. 

    The Chancellor is also expected to set out that she is a champion of free and fair-trade and, will continue to make the case for openness in a series of bilateral meetings with G20 finance ministers. 

    While in Cape Town the Chancellor will engage with best-in-class British firms in South Africa and visit Cape Town’s historic V&A Waterfront. The Chancellor is expected to welcome British companies including consultancy Turner & Townsend and engineering firm Arup winning new contracts to play a role in the site’s expansion, showcasing UK expertise in designing, planning, and building infrastructure around the world.  

    The Chancellor will also meet influential businesses and investors in South Africa, such as representatives from Old Mutual Limited, the Foschini Group, and Absa, at a private reception at the High Commissioner’s residence, where she will deliver a keynote speech highlighting growth and investment opportunities in the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 100 Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars return to Pakistan after UK studies

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Over 100 Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars return to Pakistan after UK studies

    British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, welcomed back 43 Chevening and 71 Commonwealth Scholars, celebrating their studies in the UK.

    The 2023-24 cohort include scholars from every part of Pakistan, studying public policy, health sciences, climate change, and business at institutions across the UK.  As they return, these scholars become part of a thriving network of over 3,500 alumni, spanning government, media, business, and civil society.  

    Many Chevening and Commonwealth alumni have become leaders in their fields, shaping policy and driving social change. Notable alumni include the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi; the Honourable Supreme Court Judge, Justice Athar Minallah; Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory; Zulfiqar Younis, Additional Secretary for Climate Finance; Abia Akram, Founder of the National Forum of Women with Disabilities; and Maha Kamal, Co-Chair of Women in Energy. 

    British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said: 

    “Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are among the UK’s most prestigious opportunities for Pakistanis. These scholars return empowered by a world-class education, global networks, fresh ideas, and the ambition to create real impact in Pakistan. Studying at UK universities is no easy feat, and I offer them my highest congratulations.”  

    Oneir Raza, a scholar from Pakistan’s education sector, said:  

    “Chevening was a remarkable experience. Studying at the University of Cambridge allowed me to gain practical skills, learn from a diverse faculty, and connect with people from different cultures. Beyond academics, Chevening broadened my horizons and helped me build lifelong bonds. I am super grateful for this opportunity.” 

    The British High Commission has launched climate-focused Chevening alumni engagement initiatives, including debates on the impacts and solutions to climate change in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, and a climate mentorship scheme pairing 13 mentees with 8 Chevening alumni mentors. These programmes are helping to grow Pakistani climate leadership, sparking critical dialogue, convening experts to come together to find tangible solutions to Pakistan’s climate challenges. 

    Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships will next open in September 2025. To find out more information, visit the CSC website. Applications for Chevening scholarships will open in August 2025. Interested candidates can register for alerts by visiting Chevening.

    Notes to editors 

    Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK are highly competitive scholarships provided by the UK government to provide financial assistance to talented international students from across the Commonwealth nations who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK. In Pakistan, there are over 1,500 Commonwealth alumni to date. The scholarships have been available to Pakistani students since 1960.  

    Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarships programme. Established in 1983, these scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one-year Masters’ degrees – for students with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers. In Pakistan, there are over 2000 alumni to date.

    For updates on the British High Commission, please follow our social media channels:

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Skills and Training Scheme expanded to help 100,000 people into work

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Skills and Training Scheme expanded to help 100,000 people into work

    Over 100,000 people looking for work to benefit from tailored training next year, providing employers with work-ready recruits.

    • Coastal towns including Blackpool and Scarborough to benefit as Minister for Employment urges more businesses to sign up to help fill vacancies.
    • New research shows Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) can boost earnings by more than £1,400.

    Thousands of employers and individuals looking for work will benefit from a new record-breaking number of workplace training schemes, the government will announce today [Wednesday 26 February]. This will mean surpassing the previous target of 80,000 and offering new opportunities in some of the country’s most deprived communities.

    Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern will confirm the expansion of the Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) to provide 100,000 more places available over the next financial year, a boost of over a quarter from this year. 

    Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) offer participants in England and Scotland who are receiving certain benefits the opportunity of training towards a job in a particular industry, alongside a work placement and a guaranteed interview that can kickstart a new career with over 63,000 people joining the SWAPs programme to help them find employment in the last year alone. 

    This boost for people looking for work through SWAPs is a crucial part of our plan to get Britain working to unlock growth, improve living standards and break down barriers to opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.

    The expansion comes as new research shows that in the two years after finishing a SWAP, participants stay in their jobs on average up to three months longer, earn up to £1,400 more, and save the taxpayer over £350 per person compared with those who don’t take part in the programme. 

    The same research finds that, while all demographics benefit from taking part in a SWAP, the impact is greater for more disadvantaged groups, such as older customers and those with restrictive health issues.

    The announcement builds on measures in the government’s Get Britain Working White Paper to overhaul jobcentres, tackle inactivity and improved outcomes for jobseekers. This will boost the nation’s skills and put more money into people’s pockets under the Plan for Change. 

    Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP said:

    The evidence is clear – SWAPs boost your earnings and keep you in your job for longer. That is why we are promising to deliver more of them than ever, as we Get Britain Working as part of our Plan for Change.

    And alongside our partnership with UKHospitality, more people in more areas of the country will be able to access the training they need to unlock the opportunities on their doorsteps.

    Anyone in receipt of unemployment benefits is eligible to take part in a SWAP via their local Jobcentre and any business can work with DWP to develop one. This enables businesses to recruit from a wider range of candidates and provide the necessary skills training tailored to an open vacancy.

    As part of this expansion, Minister for Employment Alison McGovern will announce that a hospitality SWAPs pilot, launched in partnership with UKHospitality, will be rolled out to 26 new areas in need of jobs and opportunity, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool.

    This will ensure jobs are filled in sectors with high vacancies, such as the 88,000 roles available in the hospitality industry as the government drives up opportunity as part of our wider reforms to Get Britain Working.

    Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality said:

    UKHospitality’s Sector-Based Work Academy pilot proved to be a brilliant way to provide high quality, entry-level training for both new starters and those looking to get back into work.

    I’m delighted that the government is rolling out our pilot to 26 new areas and using it as the model for its exciting plans to deliver at least 100,000 SWAP participants next year.

    This announcement gives us the impetus to expand our work across the country, help more people find rewarding jobs in hospitality, boost growth, tackle economic inactivity and continue to develop our Hospitality Skills Passport.

    Further information: 

    • SWAPs are designed to support unemployed benefit claimants on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance, who are aged 16 years and over and who do not need extra support to address a lack of basic employability skills. Participants remain on benefits during their placement.
    • The programme runs in England and Scotland. SWAPs are developed by Jobcentres in partnership with employers and training providers. These opportunities are offered in job sectors with high volumes of current local vacancies.
    • Employers interested in taking the opportunity to start a SWAP for a role in their business can contact the Employers Service Line here – Jobcentre Plus help for recruiters: Recruitment advice and support – GOV.UK.
    • The SWAP impact assessment, carried out by DWP, focused on UC customers who started a SWAP between April 2021 and March 2022 and compared their employment outcomes to individuals who were eligible to start a SWAP but did not start a placement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University of Aberdeen Principal announces his retirement Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, has announced that he will retire in December 2025 after reaching his 70th birthday and completing the seven-year term he began in 2018.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, has announced that he will retire in December 2025 after reaching his 70th birthday and completing the seven-year term he began in 2018.
    Julie Ashworth, Senior Governor (Chair) of the University’s governing body, University Court, expressed her “deepest thanks for outstanding service”.
    Professor Boyne took up the leadership when the University had more modest placings in higher education rankings. Now Aberdeen is ranked 12th by the Guardian – up from 46th in 2018 – and 15th by the Times and Sunday Times – up from 40th in 2018 – in their most recent assessments of over 120 Universities across the UK.
    The University, which has a strong reputation for helping students from every background reach their full potential, is also ranked second in Scotland and 15th in the UK in the prestigious National Student Survey.
    Professor Boyne has led the organisation, which dates back to 1495 and is the 5th oldest in the UK, through challenging times such as the global pandemic, the impact of Brexit on universities, the cost-of-living crisis and unprecedented financial challenges for the higher education sector.

    It has been the honour of my life to be the internal advocate and external ambassador for the extraordinary range of very high-quality work that is carried out in the Schools and Professional Services at the University of Aberdeen.” Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen,

    He said: “It has been the honour of my life to be the internal advocate and external ambassador for the extraordinary range of very high-quality work that is carried out in the Schools and Professional Services at the University of Aberdeen. It has also been a privilege to lead the development of our academic and financial strategies during this eventful time in higher education.
    “We have made very strong progress on a wide range of activities including student recruitment, student employability, research funding, research impact, and regional and global partnerships; and most fundamentally, the creation of new knowledge and scientific discoveries.
    “I will miss the University very much but the time is now right to pave the way for a successor. In December I will be five months beyond the seven-year term of office as Principal that I accepted in 2018, and two months beyond my seventieth birthday. The sevens in my professional and personal life are in close alignment.”
    As is customary when Principals retire, Professor Boyne is offering advance notice so that the University has sufficient time for the recruitment process and the notice period that the new Principal may be required to give their current role.
    The Senior Governor added: “I would like to express my deepest thanks to George for his unwavering commitment to the University. He has achieved an enormous amount in seven years and clearly leaves the University in a very strong position to attract outstanding candidates. Our financial position is stable, our research awards grew by 30% last year, student satisfaction is consistently among the best in the UK, and we have achieved our highest ever UK rankings. I wish him the very best for the rest of his tenure.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Rethink Your Drink” with a new app helping Liverpool to reduce drinking

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool residents wanting to cut down on alcohol can get free expert support through a new app that promotes a healthier lifestyle.

    The ‘Lower My Drinking’ app is part of a new campaign urging people to “Rethink Your Drink.”

    The app is available to anyone living or working in Liverpool. It offers expert advice tailored to individual goals and helps people stay motivated by tracking progress.

    Around 90,000 adults binge drink each week in Liverpool, which can impact their health and well-being. Reducing alcohol can lead to better physical and mental health, weight loss, and financial savings.

    The ‘Lower My Drinking’ app is for anyone who feels their alcohol intake is increasing and wants to reduce or modify the amount they drink.

    The app offers practical techniques, advice and support to gradually reduce alcohol to the recommended limit of 14 units per week over three days.

    The ‘Lower My Drinking’ app helps identify reasons for regular drinking and suggests strategies to manage them. It supports healthier lifestyle choices, and preparing for situations where drinking may be tempting. The app also offers guidance on staying relaxed and social without relying on alcohol.

    To download ‘Lower My Drinking’, click below or search ‘Lower My Drinking’ in your app store.

    Download for Android | Download for iOS

    Visit this website to calculate alcohol intake: www.drinklessfeelgood.com 

    More information on alcohol support: Liverpool Community Alcohol Service (LCAS) 

    Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing said: “The ‘Lower My Drinking’ app is a great resource for anyone looking to make small, positive changes to their drinking.

    “Cutting back on alcohol has many benefits, from improving your health to saving money. With the app’s support, users can set personal goals and see their progress, helping them stay on track and live a healthier, happier life.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester’s communities take the spotlight at Light Up Leicester

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER’S vibrant communities are taking centre stage for Light Up Leicester as the festival returns to the city.

    Light Up Leicester 2025 will focus on the power of creative collaboration, with an incredible programme of community-driven activities accompanying stunning light installations, dazzling performances and colourful festival parades to make the event truly unique.

    The festival takes place from 12 to 15 March, and is free to attend.

    From young people creating artwork for the festival, to parades featuring hundreds of local participants, Leicester’s communities are at the heart of making the 2025 event happen.

    One installation, ‘The Roots of Our Tree’, is being created with the help of over 300 local young people. Working with Leicester-based arts charity Inspirate, participants have crafted metallic oak leaves, each inscribed with symbols representing their roots, heritage and culture.

    The Children’s Parade will showcase these leaves on the opening day of the festival, as  hundreds of young people process through Leicester’s streets at 11am. The leaves will then form part of an installation which will be on display throughout the rest of the festival.

    Shop windows across Leicester city centre will also be transformed into a dazzling art trail as part of ‘My Leicester: Future Stories’, created by Urban Canvas and Light Up Leicester founding partner, Art Reach. Local schools and community groups have worked together to produce vibrant light-painting photographs that celebrate ambition, hope and their visions of Leicester’s future.

    Juliet Martin, resident engagement manager at YMCA Leicestershire, said of one of the workshops: “Having Urban Canvas visit us and deliver light drawing workshops with some of our residents was a fantastic opportunity. We work with young people who are often excluded and who don’t get the opportunity to engage in creative workshops, so this was a really great offer and they loved it! They are excited about the festival and can’t wait to visit the city centre to see their artwork on display.”

    There are lots of other ways to get involved too – from ‘blinging up’ your bike and joining in with the Illuminated Bike Parade (Thursday 13 March, 6:30pm, register on the Light Up Leicester website), to enjoying interactive performances such as The Holi Experience by Nupur Arts (Friday 14 March, 6:30pm & 7:30pm), an exciting dance event filled with colour throwing and energy.

    Other highlights include:

    • Radiant Routes Opening Parade (Wednesday 12 March, 6pm): A luminous parade featuring dancers in glowing costumes, celebrating Leicester’s South Asian culture. To get involved in the parade please contact Nupur Arts at info@nupurarts.org.uk.
    • FierS à Cheval Festival Finale (Saturday 15 March, 7pm): A magical performance by French street theatre company Compagnie des Quidams, where glowing horses take to the streets.
    • Pop-Up Performances (Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March): Keep an eye out for captivating walkabout acts including The Pixel Project, Dry Bones, and Aquanauts Adrift as they bring spontaneous magic to the festival.
    • It’s (Lit)erati (Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March, 7pm & 9pm): A vibrant poetry experience curated by Literati Arts at St Martin’s Square.
    • Guided tour group walks (Wednesday 12 March at 6:45pm and Friday 15 March at 6:30pm): Bookable through the Light Up Leicester website events & activities page.

    Leicester’s businesses are also playing their part, offering tantalising discounts on dining during the festival. Diners can enjoy 25% off the total bill at Kayal, Herb, and Merchant of Venice, 20% off at the Queen of Bradgate, Middleton’s and Restaurant 1573, or enjoy three courses for £20 at Turtle Bay. There are lots more offers and deals available throughout the festival, full details can be found on the Light Up Leicester website offers page.

    “As a presenting partner and major sponsor of Light Up Leicester, BID Leicester is proud to be leading the festival’s marketing campaign and ensuring city centre businesses can make the most of this fantastic event”, said Simon Jenner, BID Leicester director.

    “With tens of thousands of visitors expected over four nights, it’s a brilliant opportunity for businesses to get involved, whether through special offers, themed events, or participating in the city-wide photographic window trail. Light Up Leicester brings an incredible buzz to the city, and we’re excited to see Leicester’s streets and businesses illuminated once again.”

    Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Light Up Leicester is a shining example of how communities and creativity can come together to make something truly special. This year’s festival showcases not only world-class light installations, but also the talents, stories and contributions of the people of Leicester. We look forward to welcoming people to our city for this spectacular event.”

    Light Up Leicester is also committed to making the festival accessible to everyone. There will be a dedicated Access Support Hub open every evening from 6pm to 10pm at the Visit Leicester Information Centre, and friendly staff will be ready to assist. Accessible tours are available to help support mobility around the festival for those with additional access needs, including rickshaws, box bikes and gazelles which can carry children and wheelchairs.

    From community-led parades to mesmerising light installations, Light Up Leicester 2025 promises something for everyone. Full details of the festival programme and participation opportunities can be found at lightupleicester.com

    Light Up Leicester is proudly presented by Leicester City Council, BID Leicester, Leicester Cathedral, and Art Reach, with the generous support of Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Global Streets, PPL PRS, and headline sponsor Highcross.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anyone can save a life

    Source: Mayor of London

    The chances of surviving a cardiac arrest drop by about 10% with every minute that passes. While defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of collapse can produce survival rates up to 50-70%.

    So, it is crucial for patients to receive bystander intervention before an ambulance arrives.

    Growing public knowledge of CPR and defibrillation, increases the chance of people being able to save a life.

    Analysis by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) has revealed that 150 neighbourhoods are ‘defibrillator deserts’ – where there is little or no access to a lifesaving device.

    The London Heart Starters Campaign aims to raise funds for an additional 200 public-access defibrillators in unlocked cabinets where they are needed most. In addition, the London Lifesaver Campaign aims to make the capital a city of lifesavers by equipping Londoners with CPR skills and helping them become familiar with using a defibrillator.

    The Transport for London (TfL) estate has 500 Public Accessible Defibrillators (PAD). Last year those PADs were called upon to be used over 60 times.

    Tomorrow, Members of the London Assembly Health Committee will visit Liverpool Street Station, where they will observe a pop-up London Lifesaver training. Also, a commuter whose life was saved will be reunited with the LAS crews who worked on him.

    MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THIS FILMING/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

    Location: Liverpool Street Station, Main Ticket Hall

    Date:  Thursday 27 February 2025

    Time: 10.30am-12pm  

    Interviewees will include:

    • Krupesh Hirani AM – Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee
    • Samantha Palfreyman Jones – Head of Community Resuscitation and Paramedic, LAS
    • Danny Bliss – Senior SHE Business Partner, TfL
    • Paul Benson – had a cardiac arrest at Liverpool Street Station. He was helped by bystanders and TfL staff using the station’s defibrillator. This joint effort kept him alive until LAS crews arrived, and he was later taken to a Heart Attack Centre.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Сall for project proposals under Enabling Fund 2025-2026

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Сall for project proposals under Enabling Fund 2025-2026

    The British Embassy Kyiv invites proposals from non-profit organisations for project work under the Enabling Fund (EF) for the period from May 2025 to March 2026.

    The British Embassy Kyiv: call for project proposals under Enabling Fund 2025-2026

    The deadline for submitting proposals is 17.00 (Kyiv time) on 21 March 2025.

    The British Embassy Kyiv uses its Enabling Fund (EF) to complement work funded by the large-scale programmes in Ukraine via funding small-scale quick-win projects or aimed at leveraging bigger funding, at providing unique UK expertise in areas of top priority for Government of Ukraine or at obtaining insights into new areas of activity for future interventions. We will particularly welcome applications that show how they would contribute to the objectives of the 100 Year Partnership, which seeks to deepen the relationship between Ukraine and the UK across all areas.

    The programme will focus on the following areas:

    1. Supporting pillars of the 100 Years Partnership not funded by other programmes, thus strengthening Ukraine’s national and regional democratic institutions, helping Ukraine carry out reforms to meet EU, IMF and NATO standards, supporting Ukraine’s innovative tech capabilities; this can include support to local Ukrainian media, media watchdogs and consortia working to service critical information needs in frontline communities and occupied Crimea and affected by USAID freeze; support to development of innovative academic, science and research courses and modules in Ukraine in partnership with UK, harnessing best UK experience in education and education management, economics, banking sector; support to local hromadas in designing e-toolkit for harmonising hromadas’ recovery plans with regional and national ones (all projects to meet GESI-D requirements)

    2. Supporting vulnerable groups not covered by larger UK programmes, such as work on barrier-free Ukraine, protecting rights of persons with disabilities, LGBT people, work on protecting human rights in temporarily occupied territories including Crimea and on reintegration of de-occupied territories, including reintegration of children returned from Russia or temporarily occupied territories, ensuring cooperation between state institutions, civil society and international partners (all projects to meet GESI-D/E requirements)

    NOTES:

    Non-profit organisations are invited to bid. Successful projects should have sustainable outcomes and should clearly identify the change that will be brought about. All bids should make clear how they complement existing activities supported by other donors and international partners, and how work in the regions complements national level activity.

    The minimum indicative funding for projects is £75,000 and maximum £100,000. This may be in addition to co-funding and self-funding contributions; indeed this will be considered a merit. Our funding is for the UK financial year April 2025-March 2026 only (projects must be implemented and all payments made by 15 March 2026). Where appropriate, bidders are encouraged to describe how their project could be further scaled-up if additional funding became available.

    The British Embassy Kyiv will carry out due diligence of potential grantees, including seeking references, as part of the selection process.

    Bidding is competitive and only selected projects will receive funding. The Embassy reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds of such acceptance or rejection. Due to the volume of bids expected we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful bids. If bidders are not contacted by end April they have been unsuccessful in this bidding round.  

    Bidding process

    Bidders should fill in the standard Project Proposal Form and include a breakdown of project costs in the Activity Based Budget (ABB). We will not consider proposals submitted in other formats. Budgets must be Activity Based Budgets (ABB), all costs should be indicative, in GBP (not Ukrainian Hryvna).

    Successful bids must demonstrate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Category D or E (please see description of all GESI Categories in Annex below), i.e. have a gender equality objective explicit in the project documentation and an explanation of a positive impact of the project on advancing gender equality. If the project is designed with the principal intention of advancing gender equality, it must have outcomes on gender equality and outputs that contribute to these outcomes.

    All projects or activities must align with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and assess climate and environmental impact and risks, taking steps to ensure that no environmental harm is done and, where relevant, support adaptation.

    Successful implementers should be able to receive project funding in GBP (UK pound sterling) and open a GBP bank account for the project.

    Proposals should be sent to the British Embassy Kyiv at Kyiv.Projects@fcdo.gov.uk by 17.00 (Kyiv time) on 21 March 2025. In the subject line, please indicate the name of the bidder, the area (1 or 2), and the subtopic under which the project is submitted (e.g. [name of NGO]/area 1/Support to local hromadas). We aim to evaluate proposals by end-April. Approved projects will commence in May 2025.

    Evaluation criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

    • fit to programme objectives – the extent to which the proposal addresses the issues
    • quality of project – how well defined and relevant the outcome is and how outputs will deliver this change; ability to leverage bigger funding would be an advantage
    • value for money – the value of the expected project outcomes, the level of funding requested and institutional contribution
    • previous experience – evidence of the project team’s understanding the issue and of its regional activities, ability to manage and deliver a successful project, through work done to date in the area or in related fields
    • gender-sensitive approach and alignment with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change – as indicated above; the proposals will be assessed by a mixed gender panel.

    ISF_Project Proposal Template_Part A 30-09-2024

    ODT, 60.8 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    ISF_Project_Activity-Based_Budget_Template 28-01-2025 w upd guidance

    ODS, 1.2 MB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    GESI Priorities

    PNG, 505 KB

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at continuous glucose monitors and measuring blood sugar levels in people without diabetes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looks at continuous glucose monitors in people without diabetes. 

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

    “The appeal of CGMs lies in their non-invasiveness, coupled with their ability to automatically measure glucose every 5 minutes for up to 2 weeks at a time.  This provides the user with a mass of real time data which can be informative for dietary and lifestyle changes, particularly useful on those who are diabetic.  However, this study by Prof Gonzalez and his team is highly relevant and informative given the increasing use of CGMS by healthy, non-diabetic individuals.

    “This study nicely illustrates potential issues of accuracy with CGMs.  The robustness of the study lies in its measurement of postprandial glucose excursions on multiple occasions, under standardised conditions, in a well-controlled crossover design.  By design, CGMs sample interstitial fluid, which we assume is directly reflective of blood glucose, but yet could be influenced by other factors that impact glucose movement into tissues.  In addition, there will inevitably be some time lag between blood glucose and interstitial fluid changes.  This lag could be as short as a few minutes or as long as half an hour.  Such a lag can be problematic when detecting rapid changes in blood glucose.

    “We are in the middle of a similar validation study investigating the accuracy and reliability of CGMS and have observed that discrepancies can be as high as 1-1.5mmol/L.  Such a discrepancy can be significant in those who are healthy and have normal blood glucose control, as their normal range of blood glucose is typically far smaller.  This can lead to misinterpretation and “misdiagnosis” of apparent blood glucose excursions that still remain within the boundaries of normal.  Indeed, often individuals are basing dietary and lifestyle changes on what are essentially variations of normal any way, compounded by a magnitude of error in the data itself.

    “To add to this, in our current study, we are examining an agreement between two CGM devices fitted to participants at the same time, and have observed discrepancies between devices on the same person.  For example, differences between having the device fitted on your dominant or non-dominant arm.  I would also suggest that using handheld devices for measuring capillary blood, as has been the traditional practice (and used in this AJCN study), can also be subject to error.  Similarly, we have observed discrepancies between two handheld devices measuring the same individual’s blood.

    “With all this said, I very much agree with the lead authors’ conclusions.  The use and interpretation of CGM devices in healthy individuals should be undertaken with caution.  They certainly shouldn’t be used as the sole basis for dietary changes, restrictions, or extreme lifestyle changes.”

    Dr Nicola Guess, academic dietitian and researcher specialising in the dietary prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, University of Oxford, said:

    “This was a well conducted randomised controlled trial which compared the glucose response to standard meals using two methods: a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and capillary blood testing (“finger prick” testing) in 15 healthy males and females.  The investigators found that CGMs overestimate glucose to a clinically-relevant degree in healthy people without prediabetes or diabetes.  This means that people who have normal glucose may be led to believe they have prediabetes.

    “This is one of a growing number of studies which demonstrate how cautious we need to be when interpreting CGM data from a person without diabetes.  In this study, the CGM estimated the “time out of range” as 4-fold higher compared to the capillary value.  Other studies have found CGMs can also underestimate glucose (for example during exercise) and are particularly inaccurate when glucose concentration changes rapidly.

    “Taken together, I would advise people without diabetes using CGMs to interpret the output with a pinch of salt.”

    ‘Continuous glucose monitor overestimates glycemia, with the magnitude of bias varying by postprandial test and individual – A randomized crossover trial’ by Katie M. Hutchins et al. was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition at 08:00 UK time on Wednesday 26 February 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.02.024

    Declared interests

    Dr Adam Collins: “No conflict of interest.”

    Dr Nicola Guess: “No conflicts with any CMG company.  Nutrition adviser to Beyond Meat (I advise on fortification questions, ingredients etc., and have written blogs for them).  For MyFitnessPal I provide input into their behavioural programmes and have written blogs for them.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appeal to trace relatives of the late David Phillips

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    David Francis Phillips, who was 73, had been living in the Wolverhampton area for many years.

    Anyone who is related to Mr Phillips, or has any information which may help trace his relatives, is asked to call Protection and Funerals Officer Elaine Thursfield on 07771 836846 or email her via elaine.thursfield@wolverhampton.gov.uk, or Diane Washbrook on 07967 769826. Alternatively please email court.ofprotection@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World-first technology can see ‘previously undetectable’ cancer spread A groundbreaking new scanner developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen could change the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, meaning patients could receive fewer surgeries and more individually-tailored treatments.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Side by side image of same breast tissue in MRI and FCI. (l) MRI image of breast with cancerous tumours circled in red (r) FCI image of same breast shows same tumour in red with secondary tumour spread in blue. Spread not visible in MRI. The patient had a mixed tumour i.e two different types of tumour and one of them is not visible in MRI.A groundbreaking new scanner developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen could change the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, meaning patients could receive fewer surgeries and more individually-tailored treatments.

    Scientists from the University, in collaboration with NHS Grampian, used a prototype version of the new Field Cycling Imager (FCI) scanner to examine the breast tissue of patients newly diagnosed with cancer. They found that the FCI scanner could distinguish tumour material from healthy tissue with more accuracy than current MRI methods.  

    This innovation could change the course of treatment for millions of people with cancer.  Currently, around 15 percent of women need a second surgery after a lumpectomy as the edges of the tumour may still be involved. This new technique could potentially more accurately outline these tumours and reduce the need for those repeat operations.  

    A University of Aberdeen innovation, the FCI scanner follows in the footsteps of the full body MRI scanner, also invented at the University around 50 years ago which has gone on to save millions of lives around the world. The Field Cycling Imager derives from MRI but can work at ultra-low magnetic fields which means it is capable of seeing how organs are affected by diseases in ways that were previously not possible.   

    While similar to MRI in that MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body without touching it – the FCI scanner can vary the strength of the magnetic field during the patient’s scan.  This means the FCI acts like multiple scanners in one and can extract multiple different types of information about the tissue.  

    A further benefit of this new technology is that it can detect tumours without having to inject dye into the body, known as contrast, which has been associated with kidney damage and allergic reactions in some patients. 

    Dr Lionel Broche, senior Research Fellow in Biomedical Physics and lead researcher in the study said: “We found that images generated from FCI can characterise breast tumours more accurately. This means it could improve the treatment plan for the patients by improving the accuracy of biopsy procedures by better detecting the type and location of tumours, and by reducing repeated surgery so really, the potential impact of this on patients is extraordinary.  

    “My colleagues in the University of Aberdeen built the world’s first clinical MRI in the 1970s so it is both fitting and exciting that we are making waves again with an entirely new type of MRI called Fast Cycling MRI – FCI. 

    “This is a truly exciting innovation and as we keep improving the technology for FCI, the potential for clinical applications is limitless.” 

    Dr Gerald Lip, consultant radiologist in NHS Grampian and co-investigator in the study, has recently been appointed President of the British Society of Breast Radiology.  

    He added: “This data is very promising, and we still need more prospective work, but these results will really support future clinical applications. 

    “We treat between 400 and 500 women with breast cancer in NHS Grampian every year and the potential this technology has to reduce the need for women to return for extra surgery is huge, benefitting them and reducing wait times and operating theatre resource. 

    “We hope it will have a future role in supporting cancer diagnosis and management.” 

    The research is published in Nature Communications Medicine  

    … it could improve the treatment plan for the patients by improving the accuracy of biopsy procedures by better detecting the type and location of tumours, and by reducing repeated surgery so really, the potential impact of this on patients is extraordinary.” Dr Lionel Broche

    To find out how you can help support medical research at the University of Aberdeen please contact giving@abdn.ac.uk. If you would prefer to make a gift of your time, please contact alumni@abdn.ac.uk to find out more about our alumni volunteering opportunities.

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