NewzIntel.com

Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Trump’s Special Envoy to the UK Mark Burnett: 13 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Prime Minister was pleased to host President Trump’s Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, Mark Burnett, at Downing Street last night.

    The Prime Minister was pleased to host President Trump’s Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, Mark Burnett, at Downing Street last night, during which he took a call from President Trump and discussed his forthcoming visit to the US.

    Mr Burnett and the Prime Minister agreed on the unique and special nature of the UK-US relationship, the strength of our alliance and the warmth of the connection between the two countries. 

    Mr Burnett reflected on his personal connections to the UK, and his mother’s experience working part time in Downing Street as a waitress over 30 years ago.  

    They emphasised the huge potential for even stronger collaboration on trade, tech and cultural matters between the US and the UK and looked forward to working together.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee Approves 2025/26 Roads Capital Programme 

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of the Dingwall and Seaforth Committee have agreed the 2025/26 Area Roads Capital Programme, helping improve the area’s road infrastructure. 

    The approved budget for the Dingwall and Seaforth area is £324,799, which will be allocated to various road improvement projects which includes structural resurfacing and integrity improvements. These projects have been prioritised based on safety inspections, service inspections, and feedback from Ward Members, ensuring that the most critical areas receive attention. 

    Vice-Chair of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, Councillor Margaret Paterson said: “We are pleased to have agreed several roads schemes for capital funding, which will greatly improve the local roads infrastructure for Dingwall and Seaforth.”

    The programme includes a range of projects, from surface dressing to structural overlays, with a focus on maintaining and enhancing the existing road network. 

    Details of the prioritised road works schemes for Dingwall and Seaforth can be viewed in the Capital Programme report Appendice 3.  

    14 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apprenticeship reforms set to turbocharge economic growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New research shows apprenticeships contribute £25bn to England’s economy, with reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week set to boost growth.

    Apprentices in England will drive £25bn of economic growth over their lifetime, new figures have revealed. 

    This is almost double the £14bn contribution found the last time this was assessed in 2018, demonstrating apprentices’ importance to the government’s mission to grow the economy under the Plan for Change. 

    These figures are for apprentices who were participating in an apprenticeship at levels 2 to 5 in the 2021-22 academic year, representing the immense value of apprentices to economic growth.  

    The research comes as the government reaffirms its commitment to apprenticeships as the golden thread through all six missions under the Plan for Change, and follows recently published data revealing apprenticeship starts rose by 1.3% and achievements rose by 1.1% in the first quarter following last year’s general election. 

    New apprenticeships announced today include wind turbine technician and heat network maintenance technician, which are key sectors that will support the government’s clean energy mission. The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will today be visiting Hinkley Point C and Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset to meet apprentices working on this critically important piece of national clean energy infrastructure. 

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:  

    We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the measures we’ve taken this week to slash red tape and boost the number of apprentices, show how we will deliver on this and break down the barriers to opportunity for our young people. 

    Apprenticeships are key to delivering our number one mission of growth and on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, as evidenced today by their increasing value to the economy which will continue to rise thanks to our reforms. 

    As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it’s vital therefore that schools, colleges and businesses continue to champion apprenticeships, and this government will back them all the way.

    These conclude a series of sweeping reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week, after the Education Secretary revealed a boost in flexibility for employers around English and Maths requirements that will lead to an extra 10,000 apprentices qualified each year in key sectors including construction, healthcare and clean energy.  

    A cut in the minimum duration of apprenticeships from 12 to eight months will help get boots on the ground quicker if workers have prior experience, while simpler End Point Assessments and a reformed payment system will free up time for providers and employers to focus on apprentices’ career and skills development. 

    The visit comes after the Prime Minister recently announced reforms to planning rules which will clear a path for new nuclear power stations, creating thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people. 

    HMRC have also promoted tips to help apprentices ensure they are getting paid fairly, and government Ministers including the Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been visiting employers throughout National Apprenticeship Week to understand better how apprenticeships can deliver the Plan for Change.  

    Minister for Industry Sarah Jones said: 

    The shift to home-grown, clean energy is creating thousands of apprentices with world-class experience.  

    Hinkley Point C alone has provided 1,500 new apprenticeships – helping to make the UK a clean energy superpower, give us energy security and protect billpayers.

    New and updated apprenticeships for police constables, teaching assistants, healthcare support workers, dental hygienists and civil engineers will further support the government’s Plan for Change. A total of 660 occupations are now available. 

    Today, the government also launches a new “one stop shop” app that is set to revolutionise how apprentices access training and support. 

    The Your Apprenticeship app, designed by the DfE with extensive input from apprentices, provides easier access to essential tools, resources, and support to help apprentices to thrive in their qualification. 

    They will be able to track their apprenticeship through the app, ensuring they have learnt all the necessary knowledge and skills and they need to progress into skilled work and help drive Britain’s economic growth.  

    The Your Apprenticeship app is available to be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple app store now. 

    Anyone considering an apprenticeship is encouraged to go to www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk to discover what apprenticeships are available in their local area. 

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Lord Mayor Designate announced

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Councillor Kathy Watkin, Lord Mayor Designate and Councillor Tina Tuohy, Plymouth’s current Lord Mayor

    The Lord Mayor Selection Committee has recommended the new Lord Mayor Designate for 2025/2026 as Councillor Kathy Watkin.

    The recommendation will be put forward at the next Full Council meeting on 17 March before it is fully agreed.

    Cllr Watkin trained and worked as a speech and language therapist before training as a solicitor. Kathy visited Plymouth as a young child when her parents lived in Cornwall and on subsequent family holidays. She was delighted when she was able to pursue her legal career with two well-known solicitors’ firms in Plymouth and for a number of years prior to retirement set up and ran her own solicitors’ practice.

    Cllr Watkin has served on various committees including Licencing, Corporate Parenting, Budget Scrutiny, and the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee.

    Kathy was the vice chair for the Planning Committee in 2022 to 2023, and is the vice-chair for the Health and Wellbeing Board, and the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel this year.

    In 2023 Kathy was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor.

    She says “It is a huge honour to be selected as Lord Mayor Designate of this great city and I am looking forward to my year in office.

    “Since I settled in Plymouth 50 years ago, I have enjoyed meeting and engaging with residents and local businesses and charities and I am looking forward to meeting and engaging with more over the 2025 to 2026 civic year.”

    Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Tuohy, said: “I am delighted that Kathy has been chosen to be the new Lord Mayor Designate.

    “She will make a fantastic contribution to the communities of our city. It is very well deserved. I have enjoyed every minute of being Plymouth’s Lord Mayor the past year.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nearly £1m to support communities across London as Mayor launches new campaign to unite and celebrate Londoners

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Funding of more than £985,000 will help bring communities together through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend
    • Mayor launches new Loved and Wanted campaign at Outernet to unite Londoners and celebrate the capital’s diversity, inclusivity and unity in the face of uncertain and unsettling times across the globe, and the impact of rising antisemitism and islamophobia
    • New polling shows that eight in 10 Londoners (79 per cent) think it’s important that there is an increase in a sense of unity amongst people in London
    • The campaign will be displayed all across the capital as more than 100 organisations and community groups join together to reiterate that London is a place for everyone

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a package of almost £1million funding to support communities across London, as he launched a major new campaign to show that the capital is, and always will be, a place for everyone.

    The Mayor is working with London Councils, London Legal Support Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund to distribute more than £985,000 to community groups in every borough through the Government’s Community Recovery Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

    The funding announcement came as the Mayor launched a major new campaign to send a strong message to all of the capital’s communities that they are loved and wanted in London.

    The Loved and Wanted campaign brings together a broad range of organisations and community groups to show the world that diversity is London’s greatest strength and that people from all backgrounds are celebrated and welcomed.

    The campaign comes six months after disorder took place across towns and cities in the UK and at a time when fear and division is being spread in the UK and around the world. Since October 2023, the capital has seen a rise in antisemitism and islamophobia, and a rise in extreme right-wing activity has also left many fearful for their safety.

    New polling shows that eight in 10 Londoners (79 per cent) think it’s important that there is an increase in a sense of unity amongst people in London, and three quarters (75 per cent) say it’s important that the Mayor promotes it.

    The Mayor officially launched the campaign on Valentine’s Day at Outernet London, the largest digital exhibition space in Europe, which is hosting a ‘Loved and Wanted’ digital immersive experience. He was joined by faith leaders and representatives from London’s communities, including LGBTQI+, migrant and deaf and disabled Londoners, soul singer and activist Mica Paris and Ukrainian chef and digital artist Alisa Cooper to send a powerful message of unity to Londoners.

    Outernet’s screens will display the colourful ‘You are loved and wanted in London’ graphics throughout February. The message is also translated into 17 languages, alongside quotes from Londoners sharing examples about how they feel loved and wanted in the city.

    The campaign will feature a series of adverts across the capital, in community centres, cultural organisations, libraries, faith buildings, volunteering centres and online over the coming months. More than 130 organisations have signed up to share post cards and window stickers, including The Felix Project, Royal Academy of Arts, Black Cultural Centre, English National Ballet, London Museum, Bernie Grant Centre, Southbank Centre, churches, mosques and synagogues. The campaign will also showcase a range of stories of how Londoners continue to rally together, support each other, and stand up against hatred and division, whilst living in globally uncertain times.

    The Government’s Community Recovery Fund was made available by the Deputy Prime Minister following the disorder across the country last summer, with London allocated £600,000. A total of £510,000 will be distributed in grants between £700 and £22,000 to support groups with local events, education initiatives and improving access to facilities which bring communities together. A further £90,000 will be allocated to the London Legal Support Trust to provide support to free legal advice agencies in London, which were a target during the disorder. 

    The Mayor has also announced that £385,000 will be invested in the Mayor’s Community Weekend 2025, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. From September 12-14 there will be a weekend of community events and activities to bring Londoners together to celebrate our city and make a positive difference. In 2023, 184 organisations took part with events in every London borough, including community sports days, community barbecues and picnics, arts and cultural events, creative workshops, and activities focusing on the environment, conservation and healthy eating.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is the greatest city in the world because of the incredible people who live here. Londoners come from every walk of life, from every religious, ethnic and social background and from all over the world to make this fantastic city. Sadly, we are living in increasingly uncertain and unsettling times and I know the worry and concern that this is having in our communities. That’s why we’re bringing together organisations and community groups across the capital to send a clear message that all Londoners are loved and wanted in our great city. London is, and always be, a place for everyone.”

    John Mothersole, England Chair at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re rooted in the communities we serve, whatever their needs and aspirations. After the hugely successful first Mayor’s Community Weekend in London, we’re delighted to be back for another special weekend of community-led activity. We believe in the power of communities and connection, and we can’t wait to see London’s diverse communities come together again. This weekend will showcase the lasting impact voluntary action can achieve for the city.”

    Shabna Begum, Chief Executive Officer at Runnymede Trust: “The Loved and Wanted campaign speaks to a social contract that moves beyond terms like ‘tolerance’ and ‘cohesion’, it celebrates the beauty of a city that is a rich tapestry of multiracial, multicultural and mixed class communities that live, work – and often struggle together. 

    “We welcome the package of investment in communities that the campaign promises, supporting organisations and infrastructures that enable togetherness, when we know that so many of our most vulnerable continue to face unprecedented levels of economic distress.  

    “At a time when our political conversation is saturated with narratives of hate and division and London is subjected to hyper-hostility by far-right actors who smear our diversity and difference, this campaign could not be more important. Loved and Wanted isn’t a romantic, aspirational statement, it is an account of our city that remembers the incredible archive of solidarity and anti-racist activism that shapes us and is a reminder that these histories are underpinned by the everyday rhythm of living and struggling together in our complex, convivial communities.”

    Zrinka Bralo, Chief Executive of Migrants Organise, said: “Many people are currently struggling to survive and make sense of the world. This is why fostering connections, building resilience within our communities, and taking meaningful action for dignity and justice is essential. London became my sanctuary 30 years ago when I fled war and genocide, and it continues to protect those in need. At Migrants Organise, we witness firsthand the devastating effects of the dehumanisation of refugees and migrants caused by hostile policies. We also see the solidarity and support from many Londoners, which never hits the headlines, because good people do good work quietly. For this reason, we value and welcome the Mayor’s leadership and the additional resources allocated to support all of London’s communities. These efforts represent a vital investment in cultivating unity, hope, and trust—qualities that are increasingly scarce around the world.” 

    Amanda Bowman, Co-Chair of the London Jewish Forum, said: “London is facing increasing challenges to social cohesion, which has had a particular impact on our Jewish community”. A report released this week on antisemitic incidents in 2024 revealed that over half of all anti-Jewish hate reported in the UK takes place in London. Against this backdrop, we welcome the ‘Loved and Wanted’ campaign, which seeks to bring communities together and strengthen a shared sense of belonging.

    “We look forward to working with the Mayor, his team, and London councils to celebrate the capital’s diversity, inclusivity and unity, particularly at this time of global uncertainty and division. Our priority is to ensure that London remains a safe and welcoming city for the Jewish community while continuing to build strong relationships with other communities to create an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome.”

    Abdurahman Sayed,  Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre CEO, said: “We wholeheartedly welcome the Mayor’s initiative to bring communities together at a time when unity and resilience are more needed than ever before. The funding of more than £985,000 through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend will provide crucial support to grassroots organisations, helping to strengthen community ties and promote social cohesion.

    “The launch of the Loved and Wanted campaign is also a vital step in reaffirming London’s identity as a city of diversity, inclusivity, and unity. In a world facing uncertainty, it is essential to reinforce the message that London is a place for everyone.

    “With new polling showing that 79% of Londoners believe in the need for greater unity, it is encouraging to see over 100 organisations and community groups coming together to champion these values. We stand in full support of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on communities across the capital.”

    Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee said: “I’m so proud to be from London because there’s nowhere else like it. I loved growing up in Lewisham as part of an extremely diverse community where everyone felt accepted. I hope the Loved and Wanted campaign shows how united Londoners truly are.”

    UK Queen of Soul Mica Paris MBE, said: “I’ve lived in LA, New York and Sydney, but London is my favourite city in the world and it’s where I am at my most creative. I grew up with English, Irish, African, Caribbean and Asian friends and that’s a key reason why London is so special and why we have such a rich music heritage. I’m proud to support the Mayor of London’s Loved and Wanted campaign.”

    Chef and entrepreneur Alisa Cooper, who moved to London under the Homes for Ukraine programme, said: “Being acknowledged and feeling seen in the Loved and Wanted campaign means a lot as London has become home to me and my son thanks to the generosity of strangers. Rebuilding our lives hasn’t been easy but the fantastic support we have received has kept us going. I hope this campaign helps further strengthen bonds between communities.”

    Philip O’Ferrall, CEO Outernet said:  “We are in a time where inclusivity and unity in all ways is more important than ever before.  London has always been enriched by the people we have welcomed and the communities that we have embraced and Outernet at its heart is about people coming together.  The Loved and Wanted campaign and its powerful message is something we at Outernet are proud to partner on with the Mayor and his team.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK targets Putin’s inner circle with new sanctions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New British sanctions target high profile figures working in the Russian Government and supporters of Russian state-owned business.

    • UK sanctions several high-profile individuals with links to Putin’s inner circle in latest crackdown on the Kremlin.  
    • Russia’s war machine further constrained by British sanctions, bolstering UK’s national security and delivering on the Plan for Change. 
    • Foreign Secretary will also urge partners to act to smash illicit people-smuggling gangs driving irregular migration.

    Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, the UK has imposed new sanctions against people with links to Putin’s inner circle in a crackdown on the Kremlin.

    Today’s sanctions target high-profile figures working in the Russian Government, including Pavel Fradkov, a Russian Defence Minister and Vladimir Selin, who heads up an arm of the Russian Ministry of Defence. They also target Artem Chaika, whose extractives company supports Russian state-owned business.

    All three of these targets are also on the Navalny 50’ anti-corruption list. The UK is also sanctioning two entities linked to Russia’s nuclear energy giant Rosatom, which are supporting Russia’s military activity on the battlefield in Ukraine.    

    The measures come as the Foreign Secretary attends the Munich Security Conference where he will meet Yulia Navalnaya and reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy.

    The UK continues to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia despite immense personal risk.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:  

    I am announcing further sanctions to keep up the pressure on Putin. Ukrainians are fighting for their country’s future and the principle of sovereignty across Europe at the frontline.” 

    Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, I am honoured to meet with Yulia Navalnaya and make clear our commitment to weaken Putin’s attempts to stifle political opposition and crack down on the Kremlin’s corrupt dealings globally. 

    We are calling on our friends and allies to continue to step up in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

    Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv, pushing on with implementation of the 100 Year Partnership with Ukrainian friends. David Lammy will make the case to others in Munich that it is in the collective interests of Ukraine’s partners to stand by them. 

    The UK-US relationship remains the backbone of the security and prosperity for millions on both sides of the Atlantic, and David Lammy will meet representatives of the new administration to discuss closer working to boost both economies and make our people safer.

    The Foreign Secretary will also discuss the situation in the Middle East with a wide range of leaders including Quint partners. He will urge for lasting peace as the current ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon hold, and phase two of the negotiations continues.  

    On Syria, the UK recently announced £3m for deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food produce to Syria as part of our 100-year partnership. David Lammy will push for a peaceful future for Syria, centred around the interests of the Syrian people.

    More Information

    Today’s sanctions target 4 individuals and 2 entities including: 

    • Vladimir Viktorovich SELIN, Head of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEK), a federal service of the Russian government. 

    • Pavel Mikhailovich FRADKOV, a Deputy Minister of the Russian Ministry of Defence. 

    • Artem Yuryevich CHAIKA, owner of First Non-Metallic Company Ural (PNK-Ural) which conducts business in the Russian extractives sector, and the son of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA, a member of Russia’s Security Council. 

    • Joint Stock Company Kirov Energomash Plant and Limited Liability Company Rosatom Additive Technologies, two subsidiaries of Russia’s state-owned civil nuclear energy company Rosastom. As well as operating in Russia’s energy sector both entities are operating in Russia’s defence sector. 

    • We have also made a variation to the existing designation of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA. He was previously designated in March 2022.

    All individuals and entities in this package have been designated for the purposes of an asset freeze and trust services sanctions. All individuals in this package are also be subject to a travel ban. Several individuals have also been designated for the purposes of a transport ban.

    The Navalny list is created by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, also known as FBK, a non-profit organisation established in 2011 by Alexei Navalny.

    View the full UK Sanctions List and more information on UK sanctions relating to Russia.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Apprenticeships aren’t designed for young people any more

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Charlynne Pullen, Principal Research Fellow in Education, Sheffield Hallam University

    BigPixel Photo/Shutterstock

    The number of people in England choosing to enrol in an apprenticeship has declined markedly over the past decade. Apprenticeship participation has fallen overall from 908,700 in 2016-17 to 736,500 in 2023-24.

    Particularly notable has been a shift away from apprenticeships providing introductory skills for young people towards them becoming higher level qualifications for older adults.

    In 2023-24, 55,660 under-19s were taking part in an intermediate apprenticeship, down from 75,500 in 2019-20. On the other hand, 185,810 over-25s were participating in a higher level apprenticeship in 2023-24 – up from 109,770 in 2019-20.

    “Apprenticeship starts for the under-25s fell by 38% in the period 2015-16 to 2022-23,” education secretary Bridget Phillipson told the House of Commons in September 2024. “It will fall to this Labour government to turn that around.”

    Continued messaging from successive governments has emphasised that apprenticeships are for young people. “To every young person I meet my message is that no matter who you are, or where you’re from, or whatever career you want to do, an apprenticeship will open doors for you,” Robert Halfon, skills minister in the previous Conservative government, said in 2023.

    Politicians present a decline in young people taking apprenticeships as a problem. But it is government policy that has turned these qualifications into something much more suitable for adults already in the workforce.

    Employers first

    A large reason for this is changes to how apprenticeships work that make them more centred on the role and needs of employers.

    The changes to apprenticeships since 2012 include a levy on large employers. Companies with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million pay 0.5% of this into a time-limited pot that they can use for apprenticeships within the company or transfer a proportion to smaller companies.

    Apprenticeships have also shifted from a focus on achieving qualifications towards meeting standards that focus on the knowledge, skills and behaviours of a job and often include a status or recognition from a professional body.

    The employer recruits, employs and pays the apprentice. Employers appoint the training provider, and they set the standards.

    Faced with using or losing money for apprenticeships and the choice between an unknown new recruit and an established member of staff, large employers might rationally opt to use apprenticeships to support their existing workforce to improve their skills.

    Many adults enrol on apprenticeships to improve their skills.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    Adult apprentices typically have experience in relevant roles but want to improve their skills and progress in their careers.

    The NHS, for example, sees apprenticeships as a key part of its workforce strategy. Emerging evidence from my research with colleagues at Sheffield Hallam University and charity the Edge Foundation suggests many people on health apprenticeships are adults and existing staff.

    Reduced requirements

    Policy announcements from the current government have cemented this shift. They include the removal of the need for English and maths qualifications for adult apprentices, and the reduced minimum time period for an apprenticeship from 12 months to eight.

    In announcing the recent changes to English and maths, Bridget Phillipson said: “Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy.”

    These changes are designed to increase the number of adult apprentices who complete their apprenticeship. Shorter apprenticeships should allow adults’ substantial relevant experience to be recognised within their apprenticeship so they can complete it more quickly.

    English and maths requirements had been a barrier for some adults to completing their apprenticeship. Some employers had made having English and maths qualifications a requirement for getting onto an apprenticeship. Without the requirements, more adults should be able to access and complete apprenticeships – but this change is only for those aged over 19.

    Increased funding for small and medium enterprises to take on apprentices, which was introduced under the previous government, also prioritised employers, although it did come with an additional incentive for them to take on 16-to-18 year olds. Other employer-focused policy changes from the previous government include reducing the requirements for time spent training off-the-job.

    The current government’s planned change to a growth and skills levy does include the creation of foundation apprenticeships. More detail on what they will entail in England is yet to come. But these do currently operate in Scotland, allowing younger people to gain substantial work experience whilst studying for qualifications at college.

    This kind of programme could create a smoother transition into an apprenticeship for a young person, and may increase the number of young people participating in apprenticeships. But for now, employers and the skills needed for economic growth still seem to be the priority.

    Sheffield Hallam has received funding for Charlynne Pullen to conduct related research on apprenticeships from the Low Pay Commission and the Edge Foundation. Charlynne was a Labour councillor in 2010-14 and a Labour parliamentary candidate in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 general elections, but has not been active in the party since 2019.

    – ref. Apprenticeships aren’t designed for young people any more – https://theconversation.com/apprenticeships-arent-designed-for-young-people-any-more-249640

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee to showcase community activity

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The Green Living Fund, which in February 2024 allocated over £225,000 to 38 projects across Perth and Kinross-shire, has empowered local groups to take positive action against climate change and to improve biodiversity, while also helping to reduce the cost of living for residents locally. 

    During the session, councillors will hear from a diverse range of local groups about their projects and the impact they have had and continue to have in their area one year on. These presentations will highlight the practical steps being taken by communities to combat environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

    Councillor Liz Barrett, Vice-Convener of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, will host the showcase. She said: “While committee reports give us a flavour of the work which is going on throughout Perth and Kinross, this is a great chance for community groups who are at the forefront of delivering inspiring climate change and biodiversity projects in their area to tell us what that means on the ground.

    “The range of groups represented next week will give a real feel for what this kind of support means to our communities.” 

    Councillor Richard Watters, Convener of the Committee, added: “The value of these community-led projects cannot be overstated. These projects are perfect examples of how helping communities tackle cost of living challenges can go hand-in-hand with preventing the future impacts of climate change. Learning from these initiatives will help us ensure community experiences inform our strategies and policies in the future.”

    As part of the event, community groups will also be presented with certificates of recognition for their exceptional contributions through their Green Living Fund projects.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Music Artist John Garrison visits former Coventry school

    Source: City of Coventry

    A former Finham Park student, now turned musician, producer and singer-songwriter, met with Coventry music students during his trip to his home city on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 February.

    Coventry Music were delighted to host the former Finham Park student, in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation. John’s visit comes only a month after his good friend Ed Sheeran’s surprise visit to our city.

    Coventry Music were delighted to host the former Finham Park student, in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation.

    Garrison has become a much in demand studio musician, playing on tracks by Ed Sheeran, Christine Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Lewis Capaldi, Sting, Josh Groban, Benson Boone and James Blunt to name a few. He also co-wrote the Robbie Williams and Sir Rod Stewart no.1 duet, ‘Fairytales’.

    Garrison’s visit comes only a month after his good friend Ed Sheeran’s surprise visit to our city.

    The musician is currently touring as a Bass Player with James Blunt and his visit aimed to help inspire students.

    Similarly to Ed, the artist began his trip by visiting grassroots music venue The TIN Music and Arts on Wednesday 12 February. John spent time getting involved in a creative music session with SoundLab-Cov – a successful Coventry Music programme.

    On Thursday 13 February, the multi-instrumentalist visited his old school, Finham Park and Coventry AP Academy. Garrison supported the young musicians with developing their skills, shared insights of the music industry and encouraged young people to explore creative careers. 

    John Garrison said: “When I was growing up in Coventry, there wasn’t really many options if you wanted make a career in music, other than forming a band and hoping for the best. So, when Ed told me about his Foundation and the amazing work of Coventry Music Hub and SoundLab, I just had to get involved.

    “I want to show Coventry kids that there are many paths into the music business. If a non-music reading kid from Finham like me can do it, anyone can. You just need to work hard and don’t take no for an answer.”

    Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “It’s fantastic that John chose to come to his home city to see the brilliant music education work that goes on. As one of our former students, he’s a great role model for those students who want to follow in similar footsteps.

    “Music is a great way for self-expression and development of young people socially and John really inspired our young people to follow their creative careers during his visit.”

    As well as performing, Garrison also writes his own music, produces and remixes for other artists and composes for TV and Film with credits as a composer for Keeping up with the Kardashians, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Brave New World.

    Garrison will now go straight from AP Academy to a sold out Leeds arena to rejoin the 2025 James Blunt tour.

    To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 14 February

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed.

    He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

    Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up, he added.

    The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit last year.

    Discussing the upcoming third anniversary of Ukraine’s courageous defence of its sovereignty in the face of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed that it would be an important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine.

    The leaders also reflected on the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv last month, and the President updated on his plans at Munich Security Conference.

    They agreed to stay in close contact.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 14 February

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed.

    He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

    Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up, he added.

    The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit last year.

    Discussing the upcoming third anniversary of Ukraine’s courageous defence of its sovereignty in the face of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed that it would be an important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine.

    The leaders also reflected on the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv last month, and the President updated on his plans at Munich Security Conference.

    They agreed to stay in close contact.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nominations sought for 2025 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Nominations sought for 2025 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards

    14 February 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council are seeking nominations from the public for the 2025 edition of the Derry Strabane Sports Awards.   

    The annual celebration of amateur sport across the City and District will take place in the Guildhall on Thursday June 5th.

    The event is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with the District Sports Forum and aims to publicly recognise the individuals, teams and clubs that contributed to local sport over the last 12 months.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said the awards were an ideal way to celebrate and recognise the dedication of athletes, coaches and administrators across the Council area.

    “The Derry Strabane Sports Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge and reward the hard work and achievements of our local sports fraternity over the last year,” she said.

    “During my term as Mayor, I have experienced first-hand the key role sport plays in community life in this Council area, offering people a platform to showcase their talent and reap the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity.

    “It has been another successful year for sport with local clubs and individuals shining at all levels and it is important that we celebrate and recognise the work that goes into achieving that.”

    Nominations are accepted from organisations, local sports clubs, schools, youth clubs and individuals.

    Applicants and nominees should note that only the information included on this nomination form will go forward for assessment by the awards panel and that all mandatory fields should be completed before the form is submitted for the application to be considered.

    To be an eligible candidate, sports people must be a resident of the Council area and all nominees must be involved in an amateur capacity in a sport that is recognised by Sport Northern Ireland and /or the Irish Sports Council.

    The nominations will be assessed on the basis of the individual or team’s contribution to enhancing community and sporting life based on a set criteria.

    The nominator, the nominee, a team representative and a guest will receive an invitation to the awards ceremony.

    Nominations must be submitted online by Monday 24th February 2025 at 4pm.

    For more information on each category and to make a nomination visit www.derrystrabane.com/sportsawards

    The categories for the 2025 Sports Awards are: Sports Star of the Year, Young Male Sports Star of the Year, Young Female Sports Star of the Year, Sports Star of the Year with a Disability, Club of the Year, Team of the Year, Youth Team of the Year, Performance Coach of the Year, Community Coach of the Year, Special Recognition Award and Hall of Fame.

    If you have any questions or queries about the awards email [email protected].

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 17 February

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Thursday 20 February

    Mayor’s Final Draft Consolidated Budget 2025-26

    Budget and Performance Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Mayor of London is responsible for a budget of over £21 billion. The Mayor’s budget covers key areas of importance for Londoners, including Transport for London, housing and policing.

    The Budget and Performance Committee will question the Mayor on the changes to his budget proposals from his Consultation Budget to his Final Draft Consolidated Budget for 2025-26.

    The guests are:

    • Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
    • David Bellamy, Mayor’s Chief of Staff
    • Fay Hammond, Chief Finance Officer, Greater London Authority

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Insolvency Service Chief Executive announces plan to move on to new position

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Chief Executive will take on new job in May

    • Dean Beale has been Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service since 2019 
    • He will move on to a new position outside the Civil Service in May 

    The Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service, Dean Beale, has announced his plan to leave the agency. 

    Dean has worked in the insolvency sector for more than 30 years in a variety of roles and has been Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service since 2019. 

    He will leave the agency in May to take up a position as Executive Director of the Centre for Public Interest Audit, a standalone body set up by the audit and accounting sector to support audit standards for the biggest UK companies. 

    He said:

    I have had some wonderful years at the Insolvency Service, it is a great organisation with dedicated and professional staff who care passionately about the work they do. I have felt immensely privileged and proud to lead this historic organisation which does some incredible work to support people in financial distress, tackle financial wrongdoing and maintain the UK’s world class insolvency regime.

    Before becoming Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service, Dean was Director of Strategy and Change at the agency, overseeing policy development, regulation of the insolvency sector and the department’s transformation programme. 

    In addition to his public sector experience, Dean also spent time in the private sector as a forensic accountant investigating fraud and managing commercial disputes. 

    An open recruitment process will now be put in place to find his replacement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford City Council agrees Budget

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford City Council has agreed a Budget that will see new homes, new community centres and increased grass cutting of verges across Oxford.

    The Budget – which is balanced for the next four years – comes against a backdrop of austerity, rising costs, especially around homelessness, inflation and councils declaring bankruptcy across the UK.

    This has been achieved in part through the ‘Oxford Model’, which will see the Council’s companies generate £19m in profit over the next four years to help fund services.

    The Budget was agreed at a Full Council meeting yesterday evening.

    Key Budget proposals

    The Council’s Budget includes funding for:

    • 1,558 new council homes over the next eight years
    • Two new community centres, in East Oxford and Blackbird Leys
    • Increased grass cutting – to at least three times a year – across Oxford
    • Increased litter picking across Oxford and a new graffiti removal service
    • Better gritting of cycle lanes and pavements
    • A new splash park in Hinksey and renewal of outdoor gym equipment
    • A freeze on pitch-hire fees for sports teams

    The Budget will take the number of council homes owned by Oxford City Council to almost 9,500, which, thanks to the energy efficiency work, will be warmer and use less energy.

    The Council will also continue to maintain its leisure centres, community centres, parks, youth clubs, and other existing services for residents and businesses.

    Changes to the Budget

    The Council’s Budget was first proposed in December 2024.

    Since then, the Government has provided additional funding to local authorities, including a further £600,000 to assist in prevention of homelessness.

    As Oxford City Council had already budgeted to provide some support for homeless people, this has freed up funding that can be spent on other priorities.

    The changes to the Budget compared to the consultation Budget include:

    • £200,000 to pilot a new scheme to help people in supported accommodation
    • £310,000 for additional graffiti removal across Oxford
    • £157,000 for additional gritting of pavements and bike lanes
    • £170,000 to provide free leisure facilities in Blackbird Leys and £60,000 for a new play area in the city centre if a site can be found
    • £100,000 to replace outdoor gym equipment across Oxford
    • £316,000 to reverse planned cuts to ward member and community grants

    The Council also agreed £2.5m to help reopen passenger services on the Cowley Branch Line, and a further £1m to enhance the £8m redevelopment of the Covered Market.

    Oxford Model

    Oxford City Council owns two companies, ODS and OX Place, that generate income to help fund frontline services. This is known as the ‘Oxford Model’.

    ODS carries out street cleaning, bin collections and parks maintenance for Oxford residents, but also sells those services to businesses and institutions to generate income.

    OX Place’s main aim is to build new council homes for Oxford residents, but it also builds open market sale and shared ownership homes to generate income.

    The companies are expected to generate about £19m in dividends returns over the next four years.

    The ‘Oxford Model’ now represents 10% of the Council’s annual Budget. This compares to 26% for fees and charges, 20% for Council Tax, 15% for Business Rates and 15% for commercial rent. Government grants represent just 6% of the Council’s budget.

    Council Tax 

    Council Tax will increase by 2.99% in 2025/26.

    For a Band D Council Tax property, a 2.99% increase equates to £10.36 per year (or 20p a week), bringing a total charge of £356.72 per annum (or £6.86 per week) to fund Oxford City Council.

    Separate Council Tax precepts support Oxfordshire County Council, the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner and the Parish Councils in Blackbird Leys, Old Marston, Littlemore and Risinghurst & Sandhills.

    Oxford City Council continues to provide a full discount on Council Tax for Oxford residents on the lowest incomes. It is one of relatively few councils across the UK to still do so.

    Second homes in Oxford will be charged double Council Tax from 2025.

    Comment

    “We’ve been listening: our residents’ survey said that people wanted their City Council to get the basics right, so we are stepping up spend on graffiti removal, pavement repairs and gritting, verge cutting, litter picking and free play provision.  We will build more than 1,500 new council homes to help local families in housing need.  We are going to retain our award-winning youth ambition service, grants to voluntary organisations and will build two new communty centres at East Oxford and Blackbird Leys.

    “This is in the context of a shortfall in government funding, but we have managed to avoid major cuts to frontline services by our ‘Oxford Model’, which uses income from our wholly owned companies, partnerships and commercial property to support the front line.”

    Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major step forward for multi-million-pound Etruscan Square regeneration as preferred development partner announced

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    A specialist regeneration and development partnership is set to deliver the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square project.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council has granted preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound project that will help transform the city centre.  

    GKRL intend to work with partners to deliver a range of residential tenures across Etruscan Square and other development sites across the city – including PfP Igloo, who GKRL are working in joint venture with elsewhere in the UK.

    Once the formal selection process is complete, they will move forward with plans, which include a mix of high quality, affordable residential housing as well as leisure and commercial opportunities to bring new business and people into the city centre.

    The intention is to be on site carrying out surveys and investigations later this year. This will enable the preparation of the site for development in 2026, with construction activity to deliver new homes targeted to commence in 2027.

    The plans for Etruscan square key into the wider city centre masterplan, which will see the rejuvenation of Hanley as a place to live, work, shop and visit based on extensive consultation with residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors.

    Moving forward, the proposed partnership could potentially support the development of further council owned sites across the city, including three key residential sites – at Pyenest Street, Shelton; North Shelton and Bucknall New Road.

    Etruscan Square is one of the Midlands’ largest cleared city centre regeneration sites spanning around seven acres.

    The development site, which is supported by £20 million of Government funding, was once home to the old bus station and former East-West Precinct and lies adjacent to the city’s principal retail centre, next to Hanley Bus Station and near to Smithfield and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

    GKRL – which is an established Joint Venture between Genr8 Developments LLP and Kajima Partnerships LLP – has developed a significant track record over the last 10 years in delivering mixed-use regeneration schemes in the UK. These include the transformational Rochdale Riverside mixed-use development, which delivered a new retail, leisure and residential destination.

    The GKRL partners also have existing established relationships with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, local residents and businesses through Genr8’s ongoing delivery of the city centre Smithfield development and Kajima’s delivery of the £60m Stoke Extra Care scheme, a collection of flexible and future-proofed retirement villages.

    Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker – Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council – said: “Etruscan Square is one of the most significant regeneration sites in our city, and for far too long, people have been promised action but have seen little progress. That is going to change.

    “Having grown up and lived here all my life, I know how frustrating it is to see empty sites holding back investment, jobs, and opportunity. It’s a waste, and it’s stopping our city from reaching its full potential. My absolute priority is to put that right—to bring these spaces back into use, to create a thriving city centre, and to keep our promise to regenerate our city.

    “This partnership is a vote of confidence in Stoke-on-Trent’s future. We are working with a developer that has a strong track record of delivering, and together, we will make real progress—delivering high-quality, affordable homes and new opportunities for businesses and residents.

    “This is how we will rebuild our city and restore trust in regeneration: a clear plan, the right partners, and a firm commitment to delivery. No more false dawns—just real, tangible progress for Stoke-on-Trent.”

    Richard Ingham, Director at Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited, said: “Etruscan Square presents a unique opportunity to revitalise the city centre through a high quality, residential led mixed-use development.

    “Our track record in delivering large-scale regeneration schemes across the UK is driven by our tenacity and passion for creating transformational, aspirational and sustainable environments where communities can thrive.

    “We look forward to collaborating closely with the Council, and to delivering long-term economic and social value to local residents and businesses.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mine shaft collapse secured in Bishop Auckland

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Mining Remediation Authority acts quickly to protect people and the environment after hole appears overnight in farmer’s field in County Durham.

    The shaft collapse in Bishop Auckland.

    On 5 February, our Public Safety and Subsidence team was made aware of the collapse in a farmer’s field and over a public bridleway in the Bishop Auckland area.

    The collapse, measuring 7 metres in diameter and up to 50 metres deep, was quickly secured and planning work to fill it began immediately.

    From our mining archives of more than 120,000 mine abandonment plans, we were able to establish that the shaft was recorded on Ordnance Survey maps as far back as 1884, known simply as Old Shaft.

    Ordnance Survey map showing the location of Old Shaft.

    Works to secure the shaft began this week, with more than 100 tonnes of aggregate and other material expected to be needed to fill the shaft and help determine its true depth.

    The site will then be secured and and monitored to ensure there are no further issues.

    Project manager Jordan Owens said:

    It was essential that we acted quickly to make this collapse safe as it was affecting a public bridleway and posed a risk to the public.

    The scale of the collapse was certainly a surprise. It is unusual to see a shaft of this scale and that made it even more important to make the area safe as a priority.

    We are thankful to the landowner for his cooperation during this work.

    This is one of more than 600 incidents that our Public Safety and Subsidence team responds to every year.

    If you notice a mine-related hazard, call our 24/7/365 hazard line on 0800 288 4242.

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: His Majesty The King honours Mr Itsushi Tachi, Former President of the Japan Chevening Alumni Network

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of an honorary BEM (British Empire Medal) to Mr Itsushi Tachi for services to people-to-people relations between the UK and Japan.

    Mr Tachi was a recipient of a Chevening scholarship which allowed him to complete an MSc in Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the 1980s. Three decades later, he and five other Japanese Chevening alumni decided to form a Chevening alumni association in Japan. Mr Tachi led the preparatory work, and liaison with alumni and the British Embassy, becoming the founding President of the Japan Chevening Alumni Network (JCAN).

    Since its foundation in 2016, JCAN has undergone a dramatic expansion in membership, activities and profile, helping to enhance connections between the UK Government and its Chevening alumni, and creating a lasting legacy of people-to-people ties between the UK and Japan.

    Footnote:

    The Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship, funded by the FCDO and partner organizations, that enables foreign students to study a Masters degree at universities in the United Kingdom. More information can be found on https://www.chevening.org/

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: His Majesty The King honours Mrs Yoshiko Mori, Chairperson Emerita, Mori Art Museum

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) to Mrs Yoshiko Mori in recognition of her contribution to UK-Japan culture and education.

    As Chairperson of the Mori Art Museum and a member of the Board of Directors of the Mori Building Company, Mrs Mori has positioned the arts and culture at the heart of one of Japan’s largest and most transformational real estate developers.

    Under her stewardship the Mori Art Museum has championed and supported a wide range of UK artists, and has helped to showcase the strength and diversity of British art to millions of people in Japan.

    Beyond the Mori Art Museum, Mrs Mori served for many years in a voluntary role as a Trustee of the Royal Academy of Arts, an independent charity that promotes art and artists. She has also been a champion of international education, and her vision for placing education at the heart of cutting-edge urban development contributed to the establishment of the new British School Tokyo campus at Azabudai Hills, which showcases cutting-edge British design and leadership in educational innovation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Infant formula: CMA outlines clear path forward to help parents save hundreds of pounds a year

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA has set out comprehensive proposals to deliver better outcomes for parents in the infant formula market – both in terms of the choices they make and the prices they pay.

    iStock

    • CMA infant formula study finds that a combination of factors is leading to poor outcomes for parents, who could be saving around £300 a year by switching to a lower priced brand
    • Issues include the design and operation of current regulations and the responses of consumers to advertising which emphasises branding when, in fact, all infant formula will meet babies’ full nutritional needs
    • CMA heard concerns that parents on lower incomes are disproportionately affected due to higher rates of formula feeding
    • CMA final recommendations cover standardised packaging in hospitals; providing clear information to parents in healthcare and retail settings on the nutritional sufficiency of all infant formula; making it easier to compare prices of different brands; extending the ban on advertising to include follow-on formula; and allowing parents to use vouchers and loyalty points to buy infant formula
    • Given the steer from governments that regulatory restrictions on price promotions of infant formula support breastfeeding, the CMA is not recommending removing this ban at this stage, but stands ready to support further consideration of this option if asked

    Following a market study into the infant formula and follow-on formula market, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued its final recommendations.

    Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:           

    Every parent wants to give their baby the best possible start in life. Many whom need, or choose, to formula feed, pick a brand at a vulnerable moment, based on incomplete information, often believing that higher prices must mean better quality. This is despite NHS advice stating that all brands will meet your baby’s nutritional needs, regardless of brand or price.

    Governments across the UK are committed to the tight regulation of infant formula for public health reasons. So, our proposals are designed to help parents make the best choices for them and their babies, with access to better information, while sharpening the effectiveness of the existing rules.

    Our proposals will also make it easier for regulations to be properly enforced, while ensuring manufacturers and retailers can be more confident in what they can and can’t do according to law.

    We strongly encourage governments to act on the recommendations to stop well-intended regulation driving poor outcomes for consumers. We’re ready to help implement the changes and support thinking around further measures, including removing the ban on price promotions, should governments consider it necessary at a later stage.

    CMA findings

    Advertising and labelling of infant formula is strictly regulated. For example, advertisement and promotion, including price reductions or deals, is restricted so as not to discourage breastfeeding.

    Many parents choose a brand for the first time in vulnerable circumstances – often in hospital immediately after birth – and frequently without the clear, accurate and impartial information needed to make informed decisions. People often feel under pressure, naturally wanting to do what is best for their baby. Many actively choose a more expensive product, assuming this means better quality. However, NHS advice makes clear “It does not matter which brand you choose, they’ll all meet your baby’s nutritional needs, regardless of price”.

    Against this backdrop, rather than competing strongly on price, manufacturers place significant emphasis on building brand awareness to secure customers. For example, some regularly supply the NHS with below cost formula to reach new parents – and once parents have found a brand that works for their baby, they rarely switch.

    Regulation states that the labelling and presentation of infant and follow-on formulas should be ‘clearly distinct’. Despite this, manufacturers use similar branding and labelling – including similar colour palettes, fonts and imagery – across infant and follow-on formulas. When combined with large marketing budgets, this approach indirectly supports the sale of infant formula, with CMA evidence indicating that parents are disproportionately influenced by such branding practices (be it in hospitals, online or in store).

    The CMA heard concerns that parents on lower incomes are more likely to formula feed so are disproportionately impacted by infant formula pricing. While some government support is available to those eligible, most infant formulas exceed the weekly value of benefits available through schemes such as the Healthy Start and Best Start Food. This can lead to parents foregoing food in order to provide for their babies.

    On pricing, differences between brands can have a sizeable impact on parents’ finances. Evidence reviewed by the CMA shows that they could make a saving of around £300 over a baby’s first year of life by switching from a popular mid-priced product to a low-priced brand.

    Recommendations

    The 4 recommendations from the CMA are:

    1. Removing brand influence in healthcare settings: Parents should be provided with timely, clear, accurate and impartial information on nutritional sufficiency of all infant formula products as early as possible. Where parents are given infant formula in healthcare settings, labelling should be standardised to reduce the influence of branding on their decision making. For example, branded formula could be put into non-branded containers, or the NHS could have a white-label formula.
    2. Equipping parents with the right information when they are shopping: Information about nutritional sufficiency should be displayed clearly and prominently on shelves and when buying online. In store, all brands of infant formula should be displayed together and in a separate cluster from other formula milks to enable quick and easy price comparisons.
    3. Strengthening labelling and advertising rules: All packaging should clearly display information on nutritional sufficiency. Claims that are intangible, or cannot be easily checked by parents, should be banned. Like infant formula, advertising (including price promotions and deals) for follow-on milks should be banned. To help shops, manufacturers and enforcers, government should clarify what constitutes ‘advertising’, outlining exactly what shops and manufacturers can and cannot do regarding formula milks. Parents should be allowed to use gift cards, vouchers, loyalty points, and coupons to purchase infant formula.
    4. Effectively enforce current and future rules: Strengthen the roles played by relevant authorities so they must approve the packaging of all infant formula products before sale. At present, companies can put products onto the market before the relevant authority has reviewed the label.

    Public Health Minister, Ashley Dalton, said:

    I welcome this report and would like to thank the Competition and Markets Authority for their thorough investigation.

    There are many benefits of breastfeeding but for those families that cannot or choose not to breastfeed, it is vital that they can access formula that is affordable and high quality. Families should not be paying over the odds to feed their babies because of outdated regulation.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we’re determined to ensure every child has the best start to life. We will carefully consider these recommendations and respond fully in due course.

    Competition and Markets Minister Justin Madders said:

    The government has been clear through our new Strategic Steer to the CMA that competition and consumer protection will drive economic growth.

    That work to drive better outcomes for consumers across the infant formula market delivers on this priority. We look forward to working closely with the CMA across government to continue to deliver growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    Next steps

    Recommendations are made to UK, Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh governments, working in collaboration with other organisations, where appropriate. The CMA will now engage to explain these measures and support their implementation.

    For more information on the CMA’s market study, visit the Infant formula and follow-on formula market study.  

    Notes to editors

    1. All media enquiries should be directed to the CMA Press Office by email on press@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6460.
    2. It is clear that the UK, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments are committed to the public health goal of supporting breastfeeding. Following discussions with them, the CMA also understands that governments have concerns that allowing price promotions would risk undermining their important policy goals. Additionally, given the current market dynamics the CMA has observed, the CMA considers that there are limitations on the extent to which allowing price promotions would lead to better outcomes for consumers, without other measures to change consumer behaviour. The CMA stands ready to support further consideration of the removal of the ban on price promotions, in conjunction with the measures already proposed, if asked.
    3. The CMA also considered more interventionist regulation to set a maximum price for infant formula. This would directly limit prices, but would involve significant risks, including that lower prices in the market could rise to the level of the ceiling, resulting in some parents missing out on cheaper options on the market. There would also be significant challenges in the design and implementation of such a measure. The CMA is therefore not recommending the introduction of price controls at this time. However, governments may wish to retain this as a backstop option, if the proposed package of measures does not achieve the desired market outcomes within a reasonable timeframe.
    4. The calculation of savings made by switching to a lower priced infant formula is CMA analysis based on a baby being exclusively formula-fed from birth to 12 months (following the feeding amounts recommended on the packaging) and compares recent prices of 800g infant formula powder products from Tesco. The range of possible savings is £300-£500, with £300 representing a change from a popular mid-priced brand to a low-priced brand, and £500 representing a change from a premium high-priced brand to a low-priced brand.
    5. Infant formula is formula milk for babies that is suitable from birth and is the focus of the CMA’s market study. The study considered follow-on formula, which is a substitute for infant formula for babies ages 6 to 12 months and, to the extent that they impact how the markets for infant and follow-on formula operate, milks marketed for children aged over 12 months of age.
    6. The CMA’s role is to investigate how markets work, including the role of consumers, industry and government, and to look at all aspects of how markets could function better for those that use them.
    7. Regulations regarding the infant formula sector are put in place by government and are monitored and primarily enforced by local authorities. The Advertising Standards Authority also has a role in enforcement of its UK Advertising Codes (known as the CAP and BCAP Codes). Nutrition law is an area of devolved competency, and responsibility for legislating in relation to infant formula sits with each of the UK’s devolved nations.
    8. When referring to retailers, the CMA means supermarkets and other stores that sell formula, such as pharmacies. When referring to manufacturers, the CMA means the upstream suppliers of formula milk. When referring to brands, the CMA means the ranges of infant formula with the same brand name, produced by a particular manufacturer.
    9. For more information on the CMA’s market study process, visit: Market studies and investigations – guidance on the CMA’s approach.
    10. All enquiries from the general public should be directed to the CMA’s General Enquiries team on general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk or 020 3738 6000.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study of impact of emissions from brake pads on lung cells compared to diesel emissions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Particle Fibre and Toxicology compares the impact of emissions from break pads and diesel on lung cells. 

    Prof Anna Hansell, Professor of Environmental Epidemiology, University of Leicester, said:

    “Air pollution has been reducing in recent decades and will reduce further as we continue to move away from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy. However, this paper reminds us that we will still have transport-related air pollution, even from emission-free vehicles. It shows that particulates from brake and tyre wear from both combustion-engine and electric vehicles have toxic impacts on human cells. Further studies, taking into account exposure levels, will help determine actual risks to human health and ecological systems.

    “The study concentrated on impacts on health related to the metal content of particulates from brake wear. More studies are needed to look at health risks from other components of brake wear and also tyre wear.”

    Dr Antonis Myridakis, Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, from Brunel University of London, said:

    “This study provides a thorough and systematic investigation into the toxicological effects of brake-wear particulate matter (PM2.5), with a particular focus on copper-enriched brake dust. The research utilises an interdisciplinary approach to examine how different brake pad compositions impact alveolar epithelial cells. By comparing these effects to diesel exhaust PM, the study contributes to the growing body of evidence that non-exhaust emissions represent an increasingly significant yet underregulated source of airborne pollutants.

    “The press release accurately reflects the main conclusions of the study, emphasising that copper-enriched brake-wear PM induces significant oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic reprogramming in lung cells, surpassing even the effects of diesel exhaust PM. This aligns with established evidence regarding the role of transition metals in PM toxicity, but also introduces new insights into the pseudohypoxic activation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signalling, which has been implicated in chronic lung diseases and cancer.

    “The research is well-executed and effectively accounts for potential confounders. However, it is important to highlight that is an in vitro model study, which, while invaluable for mechanistic studies, may not fully capture the complexity of real life exposure scenarios. Future studies should consider animal models or real-world epidemiological correlations to confirm these findings.

    “The study’s implications are significant, highlighting a major gap in air quality regulation. While diesel exhaust emissions are heavily legislated, non-exhaust PM remains largely unregulated despite its growing contribution to urban air pollution. Focusing solely on PM mass concentrations in regulations may be insufficient, as the composition of PM, particularly its metal content, is a critical determinant of toxicity.”

     

    Dr Ian Mudway, Senior Lecturer at School of Public Health – Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, said:

    “While the paper’s research appears sound, and the researchers have a strong track record, it’s premature to conclude that non-exhaust emissions from traffic, specifically brake pad wear, are worse than diesel exhaust. Too many variables remain uncontrolled: brake disc types (a highly varied category), diesel exhaust particle composition, and chosen endpoints, among others. The paper’s core message is that we shouldn’t assume all traffic-related pollution originates from exhaust and should not discount abrasion sources. It is important that brake wear and tire wear is part of the discussion about traffic related pollution. While this paper focuses on brakes, tire wear and road dust resuspension should also be considered. This has significant policy implications, as it suggests that policies solely targeting exhaust emissions will not fully mitigate the risks of traffic-related pollutants. Although regenerative braking may partially offset brake wear, it, along with tire wear, will remain a concern even with vehicle electrification. This is reflected in the upcoming Euro 7 regulation (2026), which, for the first time, introduces standards for tire and brake wear emissions, acknowledging their contribution to air pollution and potentially driving innovation in tire and brake technology.”

    Prof Roy Harrison, Professor of Environmental Health, University of Birmingham, said:

    “Non-exhaust particles, such as those from the wear of brakes and tyres now well exceed those from engine exhaust, and there is consequently a strong interest in the relative toxicity of the various particle types.  The authors of this paper apply a battery of toxicological tests to demonstrate the toxicity to lung cells of brake wear particles, and especially those containing copper.  In some tests, the brake wear appears to be more toxic than diesel exhaust particles.  While there must be some reservations over the way that the particles were presented to the cells in this study (collected on a filter and then suspended in water, rather depositing directly from the air), which may affect their toxicity, several studies have now demonstrated toxicity associated with brake wear particles.  As yet, studies in human populations have not shown exceptional toxicity, just that normally associated with exposure to fine particles.  The good news is that emissions of brake wear particles from an electric vehicle are much less than from conventional petrol and diesel vehicles due to regenerative braking.”

    ‘Copper-enriched automotive brake wear particles perturb human alveolar cellular homeostasis’ by James G H Parkin et al. was published in Particle and Fibre Toxicology at 06:00 UK time on Friday 14th February.

    DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00617-2

    Declared interests

    Prof Anna Hansell: I do not have conflicts of interest to report. I am Chair of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP), but comments here are in a personal capacity as Professor in Environmental Epidemiology at the University of Leicester. 

    Dr Antonis Myridakis: None

    Dr Ian Mudway: No declarations of interest. I have worked on a USA Health Effects Institute study on non-exhaust emissions where one of the authours of this paper was on the Steering Committee as an independent advisor. I have also published a paper in 2020 comparing the toxic effects of diesel and brake abrasion dust, which demonstrated very similar responses (doi: 10.1039/c9mt00253g).

    Prof Roy Harrison: He receives research funding from UKRI and EU Horizon programmes.  He is a member of the Defra Air Quality Expert Group and Deputy Chair of the DHSC committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, but writes in a personal capacity.  He has no conflict of interest with respect to this research study.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Over $21 million to transform New South Wales’ regional cities

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by delivering social infrastructure that connects communities, boosts economies and transforms Australia’s regions.

    Today we are announcing four projects will share in over $21 million to create new and revitalise existing town precincts across regional New South Wales. 

    In Cessnock, over $14 million is going towards transforming the underutilised Apex Park into a thriving precinct connecting local businesses, community groups, service providers and the Cessnock Pool recreation area.

    The new precinct will transform Cessnock for locals and visitors alike, shaping the future of the town and strengthening its role as a tourism gateway to the Hunter Valley region.

    Further west, we’re investing $2 million into the Mid-Western Regional Council’s Mortimer Street Precinct to revitalise the south-eastern section of the Mudgee CBD. 

    The project will deliver plans to accommodate a hotel, residential apartments, commercial shops, restaurants, car parks, green spaces and designated pedestrian connections. It will enable the precinct to progress to Development Application and investment.

    Bathurst Regional Council’s Connected Regional Neighbourhoods project will receive $1.7 million to develop a comprehensive business case, master plan and concept designs to reinvigorate the Bathurst CBD. 

    The project will set a benchmark for the use of smart, sustainable technologies in a regional city, incorporating active transport infrastructure and streetscape enhancements to attract investment into the town.

    In Cobar, almost $3.5 million will deliver the design and planning works for the council’s Grand Precinct, getting it up to construction and tender-ready status. 

    The project will transform the town by redesigning the Grand Hotel into a cultural-commercial hub, upgrading the library with enhanced services, restoring the town hall for multi-purpose use, adding senior housing and improving streetscapes. 

    These projects showcase the Government’s commitment to listening to, and working with, local communities, and addressing regional needs.

    They are funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. 

    The program is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: 

    “Precincts like this not only give the community a space to gather and visitors a space to enjoy, but they transform towns by boosting local economies and shaping the everyday lives of locals.

    “The regional Precincts and Partnerships program is about revitalising underutilised spaces to enhance regional cities and towns – working collaboratively across government, community and with the private sector. 

    “We are listening to communities across regional New South Wales and boosting local economies by strengthening community infrastructure.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi: 

    “This investment is a game-changer for Cessnock, ensuring our region continues to grow, attract visitors, and provide better amenities for locals.

    “Our community has been asking for these improvements, and I’m proud to be delivering real outcomes that will make a lasting difference.

    “The Albanese Government is committed to supporting regional New South Wales, and this funding will help build a stronger, more connected future for Cessnock and beyond.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Over $21 million to transform New South Wales’ regional cities

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by delivering social infrastructure that connects communities, boosts economies and transforms Australia’s regions.

    Today we are announcing four projects will share in over $21 million to create new and revitalise existing town precincts across regional New South Wales. 

    In Cessnock, over $14 million is going towards transforming the underutilised Apex Park into a thriving precinct connecting local businesses, community groups, service providers and the Cessnock Pool recreation area.

    The new precinct will transform Cessnock for locals and visitors alike, shaping the future of the town and strengthening its role as a tourism gateway to the Hunter Valley region.

    Further west, we’re investing $2 million into the Mid-Western Regional Council’s Mortimer Street Precinct to revitalise the south-eastern section of the Mudgee CBD. 

    The project will deliver plans to accommodate a hotel, residential apartments, commercial shops, restaurants, car parks, green spaces and designated pedestrian connections. It will enable the precinct to progress to Development Application and investment.

    Bathurst Regional Council’s Connected Regional Neighbourhoods project will receive $1.7 million to develop a comprehensive business case, master plan and concept designs to reinvigorate the Bathurst CBD. 

    The project will set a benchmark for the use of smart, sustainable technologies in a regional city, incorporating active transport infrastructure and streetscape enhancements to attract investment into the town.

    In Cobar, almost $3.5 million will deliver the design and planning works for the council’s Grand Precinct, getting it up to construction and tender-ready status. 

    The project will transform the town by redesigning the Grand Hotel into a cultural-commercial hub, upgrading the library with enhanced services, restoring the town hall for multi-purpose use, adding senior housing and improving streetscapes. 

    These projects showcase the Government’s commitment to listening to, and working with, local communities, and addressing regional needs.

    They are funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. 

    The program is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: 

    “Precincts like this not only give the community a space to gather and visitors a space to enjoy, but they transform towns by boosting local economies and shaping the everyday lives of locals.

    “The regional Precincts and Partnerships program is about revitalising underutilised spaces to enhance regional cities and towns – working collaboratively across government, community and with the private sector. 

    “We are listening to communities across regional New South Wales and boosting local economies by strengthening community infrastructure.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi: 

    “This investment is a game-changer for Cessnock, ensuring our region continues to grow, attract visitors, and provide better amenities for locals.

    “Our community has been asking for these improvements, and I’m proud to be delivering real outcomes that will make a lasting difference.

    “The Albanese Government is committed to supporting regional New South Wales, and this funding will help build a stronger, more connected future for Cessnock and beyond.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Parliament has passed landmark election donation laws. They may be a ‘stitch up’ but they also improve Australia’s democracy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne

    Federal parliament has passed the biggest changes to Australia’s electoral funding laws in decades.

    The Albanese government’s Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024 cleared the Senate on Wednesday night after just two hours of debate on amendments agreed to earlier by the Coalition. In blatant disregard for democracy, the government refused to refer the bill to a parliamentary committee for proper scrutiny.

    The amendments fail to address numerous deficiencies in the original bill that was introduced last November. Transparency has been wound back and hollow contribution caps have been locked in.

    In significant respects, however, the package is an improvement on the status quo, which has seen unrestricted donations and spending flourish. So, too, secrecy.

    We need to penetrate the sound and fury of partisanship and assess the substance of these laws. This will yield a much more nuanced picture than conveyed by cross bench claims of a major party stitch up.

    Some improvement to transparency

    The government originally proposed lowering the disclosure threshold for donations from $16,000 to $1,000. The revised bill settles on a new threshold of $5,000.

    The amendments fail to plug a loophole that allows a donor to give separately to all of the branches attached to a political party if each individual contribution is just under the threshold. For example, a donor could spread almost $45,000 to the nine state and federal branches of the ALP without being required to declare the amounts.

    But the new laws will usher in near-real time disclosure and substantially reduce “dark money”, a seismic shift from the secrecy and lack of timeliness in the regime it replaces.

    Hollow donation caps

    Under the reforms, a series of contribution caps have been introduced to curb the influence of big money in politics.

    In my assessment of the original bill, I highlighted how the caps would prevent multi-million dollar contributions from cashed-up individuals.

    The amendments go further by closing a number of sizeable loopholes. Self financing candidates, such as Clive Palmer and Malcolm Turnbull will be subject to the contribution caps. The current exclusions for membership and affiliation fees to associated entities – “disguised donations” – will also be caught by the caps.

    But any positives are emphatically outweighed by the “annual gift cap” more than doubling to $50,000. The same “spreading” loophole that applies to the disclosure obligations would allow a donor to to give just shy of this amount to each of a party’s state and federal branches across the country. The major parties could reap up to almost $450,000 per annum from a single donor.

    And the “overall gift cap” on total donations made to political parties and candidates is a generous $1.6 million, which means large contributions will still be permissible under the new framework.

    The government has also failed to remove the patently unfair provisions relating to “nominated entities”, which are likely to be used by the major parties as investment vehicles.

    As the Victorian Electoral Review Expert Panel has rightly noted, such entities:

    provide some (parties) with significantly more funds, creating a risk that those (parties) drown out other voices.

    Election spending contained and fairer

    The spending caps in the new finance laws are fundamentally unaltered by the government’s amendments.

    The $800,000 per electorate limit, and $90 million per party nationally, will contain the “arms race” that has necessitated “big money” fundraising and fuelled unfair contests.

    However, the limits are set too high and will benefit the established parties due to the narrow scope of the spending caps in individual electorates. This means the major parties will be able to shift funding to must-win seats without being caught by the electorate caps.

    This shortcoming has been seized upon as clear evidence that Labor and the Liberals are seeking to kneecap Teal election campaigns. While having some force, these criticisms should be viewed in the context of the current situation where the major parties have an unfettered ability to direct spending to marginal seats, a situation which the Teals are ironically defending with their opposition to spending caps.

    The importance of public funding

    The new regime includes a substantial jump in public funding from $3.50 to $5 per vote.

    Crossbenchers, such as Kate Chaney, are opposed, to the increase, saying it will entrench the might of the majors while making it harder for new independents:

    The effect of increasing public funding is that political parties don’t have to fundraise because they’ve got their war chests. But any challengers do have to fundraise.

    While there is a clear risk of unfairness, the crossbench position throws the baby out with the bathwater. It romanticises the role of private funding, skating over the risks of corruption and undue influence via large donations.

    The public funding of political parties and candidates is warranted. But there should be a conversation about the design and scope of taxpayer support.

    The political finance laws could be made considerably fairer by fixing the structural bias that favours incumbents, including teal MPs. And they don’t need to be as generous given the large flows of private funding that will continue under the shallow contribution caps.

    Unfinished business

    Bad processes tend to make bad laws. The government’s actions have cast a pall of illegitimacy over its political finance regime. The new framework is unfair and ineffectual in significant ways and yet democracy enhancing in others.

    We are all trustees of democracy, with an obligation to protect and deepen democratic practices. An urgent task in that continuing struggle is to protect the strengths of these laws while jettisoning the elements that are egregiously bad.

    Joo-Cheong Tham has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, European Trade Union Institute, International IDEA, the New South Wales Electoral Commission, the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Victorian Electoral Commission. He is a Director of the Centre for Public Integrity; Expert Network Member of Climate Integrity; a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia; and the Victorian Division Assistant Secretary (Academic Staff) of the National Tertiary Education Union.

    – ref. Parliament has passed landmark election donation laws. They may be a ‘stitch up’ but they also improve Australia’s democracy – https://theconversation.com/parliament-has-passed-landmark-election-donation-laws-they-may-be-a-stitch-up-but-they-also-improve-australias-democracy-249588

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Chief Officer of NTES appointed

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Wayne Snell as Chief Officer of NT Emergency Service (NTES), following an extensive merit-based selection process.

    Mr Snell’s appointment brings stability and renewed energy to NTES, particularly following its transition to NTFES in 2024.

    With over 35 years of emergency management and leadership experience, Mr Snell has held senior management roles both nationally and internationally for more than 20 years. His career includes prominent positions at the Australian Civil Military Centre, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and as Commander of the New South Wales State Emergency Service, State Operations.

    Additionally, Mr Snell has worked with leading state, national, and international policing organisations, including INTERPOL and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

    His qualifications span emergency management, human resources, law enforcement, training, fire investigation, and forensic science.

    Mr Snell succeeds Ms Fleur O’Connor, who has made invaluable contributions to NTES during her time as Chief Officer. NTFES thanks Ms O’Connor for her dedication and service and wishes her all the best.

    Quotes from Commissioner, NT Fire and Emergency Services, Andrew Warton:

    “I am pleased to welcome Wayne into the role of Chief Officer with NTES. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from his extensive career in emergency management both in Australia and internationally.”
    “I also want to express my sincere thanks to Ms. Fleur O’Connor for her significant contributions to the service.”

    Quotes from incoming Chief Officer, NTES, Mr Wayne Snell:

    “It is an honour to join the NT Emergency Service at such a pivotal moment, as it transitions into the NFES standalone agency.”

    “My focus will be on ensuring the safety of our communities, supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers, and strengthening our operational capabilities to respond effectively across the Territory.”

    “I look forward to bringing my leadership and experience to the Northern Territory and collaborating with the NTES team and the broader NTFES agency to enhance our community safety and capability.”

    Media contact
    Rickie Abraham

    8923 9803 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Parliament has passed landmark election donation laws. They may be a ‘stich up’ but they also improve Australia’s democracy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne

    Federal parliament has passed the biggest changes to Australia’s electoral funding laws in decades.

    The Albanese government’s Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024 cleared the Senate on Wednesday night after just two hours of debate on amendments agreed to earlier by the Coalition. In blatant disregard for democracy, the government refused to refer the bill to a parliamentary committee for proper scrutiny.

    The amendments fail to address numerous deficiencies in the original bill that was introduced last November. Transparency has been wound back and hollow contribution caps have been locked in.

    In significant respects, however, the package is an improvement on the status quo, which has seen unrestricted donations and spending flourish. So, too, secrecy.

    We need to penetrate the sound and fury of partisanship and assess the substance of these laws. This will yield a much more nuanced picture than conveyed by cross bench claims of a major party stitch up.

    Some improvement to transparency

    The government originally proposed lowering the disclosure threshold for donations from $16,000 to $1,000. The revised bill settles on a new threshold of $5,000.

    The amendments fail to plug a loophole that allows a donor to give separately to all of the branches attached to a political party if each individual contribution is just under the threshold. For example, a donor could spread almost $45,000 to the nine state and federal branches of the ALP without being required to declare the amounts.

    But the new laws will usher in near-real time disclosure and substantially reduce “dark money”, a seismic shift from the secrecy and lack of timeliness in the regime it replaces.

    Hollow donation caps

    Under the reforms, a series of contribution caps have been introduced to curb the influence of big money in politics.

    In my assessment of the original bill, I highlighted how the caps would prevent multi-million dollar contributions from cashed-up individuals.

    The amendments go further by closing a number of sizeable loopholes. Self financing candidates, such as Clive Palmer and Malcolm Turnbull will be subject to the contribution caps. The current exclusions for membership and affiliation fees to associated entities – “disguised donations” – will also be caught by the caps.

    But any positives are emphatically outweighed by the “annual gift cap” more than doubling to $50,000. The same “spreading” loophole that applies to the disclosure obligations would allow a donor to to give just shy of this amount to each of a party’s state and federal branches across the country. The major parties could reap up to almost $450,000 per annum from a single donor.

    And the “overall gift cap” on total donations made to political parties and candidates is a generous $1.6 million, which means large contributions will still be permissible under the new framework.

    The government has also failed to remove the patently unfair provisions relating to “nominated entities”, which are likely to be used by the major parties as investment vehicles.

    As the Victorian Electoral Review Expert Panel has rightly noted, such entities:

    provide some (parties) with significantly more funds, creating a risk that those (parties) drown out other voices.

    Election spending contained and fairer

    The spending caps in the new finance laws are fundamentally unaltered by the government’s amendments.

    The $800,000 per electorate limit, and $90 million per party nationally, will contain the “arms race” that has necessitated “big money” fundraising and fuelled unfair contests.

    However, the limits are set too high and will benefit the established parties due to the narrow scope of the spending caps in individual electorates. This means the major parties will be able to shift funding to must-win seats without being caught by the electorate caps.

    This shortcoming has been seized upon as clear evidence that Labor and the Liberals are seeking to kneecap Teal election campaigns. While having some force, these criticisms should be viewed in the context of the current situation where the major parties have an unfettered ability to direct spending to marginal seats, a situation which the Teals are ironically defending with their opposition to spending caps.

    The importance of public funding

    The new regime includes a substantial jump in public funding from $3.50 to $5 per vote.

    Crossbenchers, such as Kate Chaney, are opposed, to the increase, saying it will entrench the might of the majors while making it harder for new independents:

    The effect of increasing public funding is that political parties don’t have to fundraise because they’ve got their war chests. But any challengers do have to fundraise.

    While there is a clear risk of unfairness, the crossbench position throws the baby out with the bathwater. It romanticises the role of private funding, skating over the risks of corruption and undue influence via large donations.

    The public funding of political parties and candidates is warranted. But there should be a conversation about the design and scope of taxpayer support.

    The political finance laws could be made considerably fairer by fixing the structural bias that favours incumbents, including teal MPs. And they don’t need to be as generous given the large flows of private funding that will continue under the shallow contribution caps.

    Unfinished business

    Bad processes tend to make bad laws. The government’s actions have cast a pall of illegitimacy over its political finance regime. The new framework is unfair and ineffectual in significant ways and yet democracy enhancing in others.

    We are all trustees of democracy, with an obligation to protect and deepen democratic practices. An urgent task in that continuing struggle is to protect the strengths of these laws while jettisoning the elements that are egregiously bad.

    Joo-Cheong Tham has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, European Trade Union Institute, International IDEA, the New South Wales Electoral Commission, the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Victorian Electoral Commission. He is a Director of the Centre for Public Integrity; Expert Network Member of Climate Integrity; a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia; and the Victorian Division Assistant Secretary (Academic Staff) of the National Tertiary Education Union.

    – ref. Parliament has passed landmark election donation laws. They may be a ‘stich up’ but they also improve Australia’s democracy – https://theconversation.com/parliament-has-passed-landmark-election-donation-laws-they-may-be-a-stich-up-but-they-also-improve-australias-democracy-249588

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Holey Dollar returned to Polish Government

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    A rare silver coin has been returned to Republic of Poland representative, Deputy Minister, Marta Cienkowska at a ceremony in Canberra.

    Dating back more than 200 years, the coin was bought lawfully by a collector in the early 20th century and donated to a museum in Toruń where it became a protected object of Poland.

    It was stolen from the museum’s collection between 2011 and 2016, sold in two auctions in Europe, and then made its way to Australia through unlawful export.

    Acting on advice from the Office for the Arts and a restitution request from the Republic of Poland, the coin was seized by the Australian Federal Police under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 in August 2024, enabling its return.

    The 1813 Holey Dollar is an example of coins used in the colony of New South Wales to address a currency shortage.

    Originally a Charles III Spanish Silver Dollar minted in Mexico in 1777, it was one of 40,000 Spanish reales imported by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The centre was cut out to create two new coins and the outer ring became known as the ‘Holey Dollar’.

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the handover showed Australia was serious about upholding diplomatic and international treaty commitments.

    “I want to recognise the expertise of everyone involved in this great outcome for both countries, from tracking this object to seizing it.

    “It’s important that we continue to work together to return culturally significant objects to their rightful homes. Their value can be expressed not only in monetary terms but through telling our shared history and stories.”

    For images of the coin, visit: Returns of foreign cultural property | Office for the Arts.

    For more information, visit: Movable cultural heritage | Office for the Arts.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Holey Dollar returned to Polish Government

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    A rare silver coin has been returned to Republic of Poland representative, Deputy Minister, Marta Cienkowska at a ceremony in Canberra.

    Dating back more than 200 years, the coin was bought lawfully by a collector in the early 20th century and donated to a museum in Toruń where it became a protected object of Poland.

    It was stolen from the museum’s collection between 2011 and 2016, sold in two auctions in Europe, and then made its way to Australia through unlawful export.

    Acting on advice from the Office for the Arts and a restitution request from the Republic of Poland, the coin was seized by the Australian Federal Police under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 in August 2024, enabling its return.

    The 1813 Holey Dollar is an example of coins used in the colony of New South Wales to address a currency shortage.

    Originally a Charles III Spanish Silver Dollar minted in Mexico in 1777, it was one of 40,000 Spanish reales imported by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The centre was cut out to create two new coins and the outer ring became known as the ‘Holey Dollar’.

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the handover showed Australia was serious about upholding diplomatic and international treaty commitments.

    “I want to recognise the expertise of everyone involved in this great outcome for both countries, from tracking this object to seizing it.

    “It’s important that we continue to work together to return culturally significant objects to their rightful homes. Their value can be expressed not only in monetary terms but through telling our shared history and stories.”

    For images of the coin, visit: Returns of foreign cultural property | Office for the Arts.

    For more information, visit: Movable cultural heritage | Office for the Arts.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Impact of new RSV vaccine

    Source: Scottish Government

    Report shows fewer older people hospitalised.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray has welcomed a report showing the new RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine has led to a significant decrease in hospitalisations among older people.

    Public Health Scotland (PHS) research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, demonstrates that vaccination resulted in a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations among the eligible 75-79 age group.

    The Scottish Government invested £4.2 million via health boards in the vaccine supply. The programme began last August following expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

    Mr Gray said:

    “Once again we see evidence of the role which vaccinations play in preventing serious illness and keeping people out of hospital.

    “We were pleased to be the first nation in the UK to introduce the new RSV vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more vulnerable ahead of winter. This research demonstrates just how many people avoided ending up in hospital as a result.

    “RSV can be very serious for older adults, newborns and infants – potentially causing lung disease such as pneumonia.

    “It is encouraging to see that by the end of November, 68% of eligible older adults had received their vaccinations and I’d urge all those eligible to come forward for their vaccine when called. It is incredibly important for older adults and pregnant women to protect their newborn babies from RSV.”

    Background

    RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform

    RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform 

    The RSV programme was in addition to winter vaccines offered, such as flu, Covid-19 and pneumococcal.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call to help Scots reunite with loved ones

    Source: Scottish Government

    Equalities Minister calls on UK Government to change family visa rules.

    Changes to the UK Family Visa Route would support the wellbeing of married couples and families by helping them reunite in Scotland, according to a new Scottish Government report.

    Under current rules, people living in the UK need to earn a minimum of £29,000 to bring an immediate family member from abroad to live here.

    Planned increases to this threshold were paused in July 2024 by the UK Government, which is currently seeking views on whether the requirements should continue in their current form.

    The Scottish Government report sets out evidence that the minimum salary requirement does not support Scotland’s interests, and disproportionately impacts women and part-time workers.

    Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said:

    “This Valentine’s Day, I am calling on the UK Government to make the changes needed so that couples and families who do not meet the current financial requirements can be reunited.

    “People who live in Scotland should be able to build a life with their spouse and raise children here – wherever in the world their husband or wife is from. Allowing more people to bring their families to live here would enrich communities, support public services and contribute to the economy.

    “The UK Government’s review of the income threshold is welcome, and the Scottish Government is clear that the minimum income threshold needs to be reduced or removed altogether to allow more families to build their lives here in Scotland.”

    Sarah Douglas is from the Scottish Borders. She is currently living in Perugia, Italy with her husband and their three children. Sarah would like to return to Scotland with her family, however due to the minimum income requirement, they are unable to move to the UK.

    Sarah said:

    “The minimum income requirement is currently preventing me from living in Scotland with my Italian husband. As a mother to three young children meeting the threshold is challenging especially since I’m expected to do so whilst being separated from my husband and caring for my children alone.

    “I am faced with a choice between separating my family or permanent exile. It is a cruel policy which places unnecessary emotional and financial strain on families. A new policy should be implemented to ensure that families like mine can stay together.”

    Demi Kara is from Edinburgh. She married her husband, who is from Adana, Turkey, in 2024. Due to the minimum income requirement, the couple are currently living separately in Scotland and Turkey.

    Demi said:

    “A price on love seems very much unfair. Younger long distance couples have no chance in this generation – you pay the price and put your life on hold, or you leave, it’s as simple as that.

    “I put my degree on hold to fight for my husband to be by my side – a basic right every person should have. A change the minimum income requirement would allow my life to be whole, allow my heart to be full of love and not broken and torn between two countries.”

    Background 

    In April 2024 the salary threshold for someone to bring an immediate family member to the UK was raised to £29,000, with a further raise to £34,000 scheduled for later 2024. In July 2024 the threshold was paused at £29,000, and the Migration Advisory Committee were commissioned by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to review the financial requirements of the family visa.  

    In December 2024, the Scottish Government responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s call for evidence, expressing its belief that the UK Government should look to reduce or remove the financial requirements.

    The Scottish Government’s response will be published online  on Friday 14 February. A pdf version of the response is available on request.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –