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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Growth boost to support more first time buyers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    The government commits to a new, permanent, comprehensive mortgage guarantee scheme to increase homeownership.

    Further plans to modernise home buying have been unveiled this week, helping more people to realise their ambitions of owning their own home as part of the government’s Plan for Change.  

    The government has committed to launching a new, permanent, comprehensive mortgage guarantee scheme that will open the door to homeownership for more young families and hardworking renters.  

    Alongside this the Economic Secretary to the Treasury has written to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) following their response to the government’s call for regulators to support growth, setting out the government’s support for their proposal to review mortgage rules. The government has made clear it wants the FCA’s review to be as ambitious and rapid as possible to help as many people as possible to achieve the dream of owning a place of their own.

    It follows an announcement last week that the government is streamlining and digitising the process for buying and selling homes to help homebuyers save time and money, and reducing the number of house sales that fall through. Fall throughs impact one in three transactions and cost people around £400million a year in total and currently there are delays of almost five months in the system.   

    Millions of hardworking people have been locked out of home ownership – the number of first-time buyers fell to a 10 year low in 2023 and today’s under 30s are less than half as likely to be home owners than those at the same age in 1990.  

    The government’s Plan for Change has clear ambitions for delivering 1.5 million more homes and driving growth – cutting unnecessary red tape in order to be on the side of builders and working people who want to get on the property ladder.

    City Minister Emma Reynolds said:

    “For too long politicians have ducked and dodged the decisions needed to support homeownership. 

    “Simplifying responsible lending rules and putting in place a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme shows our commitment to making the dream of owning a home a reality. I will work closely with regulators and industry to get this done quickly and in a way that supports as many people as possible.”

    Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said:

    “The affordability challenges facing first-time buyers mean that we now have a generation locked out of homeownership . This government is determined to change that, ensuring that young families and hardworking renters can buy a home of their own.”

    New details on the new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme will be announced in due course and will replace the existing Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, which was due to expire this year. By making the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme permanent and comprehensive, banks and building societies will have long-term confidence to continue offering low-deposit mortgages.  

    Many working people continue to find it extremely difficult to secure a deposit, meaning for too many the dream of home ownership has depended on access to the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’, leaving those without that option often trapped in a cycle of renting without a way out. 

    This commitment to a new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme means first-time buyers, including young families, will be able to take that crucial first step onto the property ladder, with only a small deposit, tackling one of the biggest barriers to homeownership and giving them the stability they need to plan for the future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark Wolverhampton building to be converted for new social housing

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The location is the historic former SJ Dixon & Son premises on Cleveland Road, Wolverhampton where the final phase of the Royal Quarter development is set to begin. The project, which will involve the conversion of the Victorian building, has received funding from the WM Mayor and will deliver 93 new social homes.

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, today (Thursday 13 February) announced another investment to build more social homes as part of his plans to help address the region’s housing crisis.

    The Mayor was at the historic former SJ Dixon & Son premises on Cleveland Road, Wolverhampton where the final phase of the Royal Quarter development is set to begin. The project, which will involve the conversion of the Victorian building, has received funding from the Mayor and will deliver 93 new social homes.

    It is the third social housing scheme the Mayor has invested in since Christmas as his mission to build thousands of new social homes across the region gains momentum.

    This third and final phase of the Royal Quarter development is being built by Morro Partnerships. It will see Dixon House, built in 1885 and once home to paint firm S.J. Dixon & Son’s, converted into 30 specialist social rented flats for the YMCA Black Country Group.

    A further 63 social rent homes are also being built by Morro Partnerships for whg right next to the Dixon House flats.

    With over 6,800 households and 13,500 children currently living in temporary accommodation, the development is the latest step towards addressing the housing shortage in the West Midlands.

    To help tackle the issue, the Mayor has committed to work with partners including local councils, Homes England, housing associations and developers to deliver 20,000 new social homes over the next decade.

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Too many people in the West Midlands don’t have a safe, affordable place to call home. They deserve better, and that’s why I’m committed to building thousands of new social and affordable homes.

    “This is the third social housing scheme I’ve backed since December, delivering 485 new social and affordable homes, including 337 homes for social rent, for those communities that need them most.

    “I’m making sure we build at the scale needed to tackle the housing crisis, working with Homes England and local partners to deliver the biggest social housing programme this region has seen in decades – changing thousands of lives for the better.”

    Key project partners joining the Mayor on the visit included representatives from Morro Partnerships, Homes England, YMCA Black Country Group, whg, and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

    They met residents who have benefited from the housing initiative at the nearby YMCA City Gateway site (completed in Phase 1), such as Clotilda Tiguera, an inspiring example of the impact of YMCA’s housing pathway.

    Highlighting the profound social impact of the project, Clotilda, a Y-Living resident, exemplifies the importance of investing in social housing.  

    After experiencing homelessness, she progressed through YMCA’s housing pathway and has just finished training as a nurse at New Cross Hospital and is entering further medical training.

    Clotilda has also joined the Board of Trustees for YMCA Black Country Group, underscoring the transformative power of stable and supportive housing.

    Clotilda said: “Having a home with YMCA has been life changing. It gave me the stability to complete my nursing training and build my future after a difficult time during my teenage years.

    “Y-Living provided a trusted, supportive environment where I could focus on my studies, connect with others whilst feeling secure. Housing like this is more important than ever for young people.

    “I’m excited about YMCA’s new Dixon’s House development, which will give even more young people the chance to have a safe place to call home and take their next steps with confidence.”

    This phase is being supported by a combined multi million pound investment by Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is chaired by the Mayor, whg and YMCA Black Country marking a collaborative effort to regenerate underutilized land into a vibrant residential community.  

    City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “Strong collaborative working has seen a major transformation of the Royal Quarter, and we are delighted to be supporting partners to bring forward the development of this final phase.

    “It brings back into use a historic derelict building and will provide vital social and affordable housing for our residents in line with our city housing strategy to help local people secure good homes in well connected neighbourhoods.”

    Matt Moore, CEO of Morro Partnerships, praising the collaborative effort that made the project possible, said: “This development exemplifies what we can achieve when partners come together with a shared vision.

    “WMCA, Homes England, whg, YMCA Black Country and Wolverhampton Council have all played vital roles in creating homes that not only meet housing needs but also build sustainable communities.

    “Together, we’re delivering more than housing, we’re delivering hope and opportunity.”

    For more information on Morro Partnerships, please visit Morro Partnerships or follow on LinkedIn.

    To learn more about YMCA Black Country Group, please visit YMCA Black Country Group.

    Visit whg, for more information on whg. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Expanding More Trees community nursery to grow, improve and diversify tree stock

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Expanding More Trees community nursery to grow, improve and diversify tree stock

    Read how More Trees community tree nursery in Bath and North East Somerset used funds from the Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG).

    More Trees started their community tree nursery in 2021.

    Their vision is to create a dynamic and diverse tree-rich landscape across Bath and North East Somerset. They collect seed from local woodlands and grow trees to be planted in their local area.

    Young trees growing in a community garden nursery bed. Copyright More Trees.

    A community of volunteers are involved in all stages of their work, from collecting and processing seed, to propagating trees and planting them. Volunteers learn about growing and caring for trees and play a role in transforming their local environment for the future.

    More Trees are slightly different to most other community tree nurseries as they use a ‘hub and spoke’ model. They have a central hub, where they process tree seed and grow seedlings in trays. These seedlings are then distributed to a network of community and school-based nurseries for growing on in raised beds. The resulting saplings are then planted out for local organisations.

    Volunteers processing collected hornbeam seed at More Trees community tree nursery. Copyright More Trees.

    Support from the Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG)

    Before applying for the TPCG, the charity’s hub was based on a temporary site. They secured a 20-year lease on a new site but needed funding to develop it.

    The nursery applied for the first round of the TPCG in June 2022. They were awarded funding for materials and labour to set up a new central nursery hub on the site, expand their network of nurseries and invest in an electric van.

    Through these investments More Trees aimed to increase the number of saplings they could grow, widen the diversity of species being grown, and improve the quality and biodiversity of their stock. They also hoped to provide better facilities for their volunteers and widen the number of communities they could engage with.

    More Trees received 50% funding towards investments for their central nursery hub to buy:

    • a polytunnel for growing seedlings in root trainers and providing a covered area for seed processing
    • a building to provide welfare facilities for volunteers, and act as an office and training space
    • a van for seed collection, to transport trees, and to maintain the network of community tree nurseries
    • materials for rainwater harvesting to increase resilience to drought
    • seed processing and storage equipment
    • deer and security fencing to protect seedlings

    The new polytunnel at More Trees’ central nursery hub. Copyright More Trees.

    More Trees could also buy for their nursery network:

    • materials for raised beds for growing on seedlings
    • tools for maintenance and plant care
    • biosecurity kits to reduce the risk of pathogens being introduced into the nurseries

    Funding highlights

    More Trees completed their project in March 2024 and are settling into their new nursery hub.

    As a result of the TPCG, they have:

    • created a purpose-built central nursery hub which will have significant benefits for the efficiency of the nursery’s operations
    • expanded their network from nine to 17 community and school-based nurseries – increasing the number of people they can engage with
    • doubled their production from 7,000 to 15,000 saplings, with capacity to grow a total of 18,000 saplings
    • increased seed collections from 30,000 to 150,000 seeds annually
    • diversified the species they grow from 20 to 41, with all seed and cuttings now collected themselves

    Richard Higgs, Director of More Trees said:

    The fund was absolutely instrumental to setting us up in our new site. We couldn’t have done it otherwise. Having our own space and good facilities is amazing.

    Young trees growing in a tree nursery at a community allotment site. Copyright More Trees.

    Top tips for success

    1). Involve volunteers in the design and development of your site

    More Trees drew on their volunteers’ first-hand experience of seed processing when designing the facilities on the new site. Volunteers helped to decide on the types of sinks, height of benches and layout of the space.

    Richard Higgs, Director of More Trees said:

    Having volunteers involved in the process is really important. We had a lot of discussion and input from the volunteers into the design of the new site. They know best because they’re the ones who are physically doing it. It also gives them a sense of buy- in.

    2). Be realistic about what can be achieved

    More Trees opted for fewer nurseries but were still able to achieve the same increase in capacity and increase the capacity of existing nurseries.

    Sandra Tuck, Former Community Tree Nursery Coordinator, More Trees said:

    Although good for optimising community engagement, setting up multiple smaller nurseries is relatively time consuming. We therefore had to reduce the number of new nurseries from our original plan, opting for fewer larger nurseries to achieve the same increase in capacity as well as increasing the capacity of some of our existing nurseries. Overall, we still achieved a huge uplift in the number of trees we can grow, but in fewer locations.

    3). Share knowledge with other small or community tree nurseries

    More Trees visited and got advice from other small nurseries when they were starting out. They found that other nurseries often face similar challenges and can share what they have learnt. Now that they are more established, More Trees have been sharing their advice with another community tree nursery who are setting up for the first time.

    A volunteer prepares labels for trees that are ready for planting. Copyright More Trees.

    Plans for the future

    Having expanded rapidly, More Trees now plan to spend the next few years refining their operations and focusing on increasing their species diversity.

    “We will concentrate on increasing our species diversity further and improving our germination rates for more unusual/harder to grow species. We are developing a Tree Spotters application for mobile phones to enable volunteers to spot more unusual species for collections. By growing more unusual, less commercially viable trees and trees with significant genetic diversity (collected from 20+ woodland locations), our tree stock will continue to be in demand in the coming years.” Sandra Tuck, Former Community Tree Nursery Coordinator, More Trees

    Find out how the Tree Production Capital Grant supports the production of tree seed and saplings through investment in facilities and equipment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on 2 specialist review requirements for male patients already taking valproate  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A review by 2 specialists will remain in place for patients starting valproate under 55 years of age.

    The review by 2 specialists remains in place for patients starting valproate under 55 years of age but the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has advised that it will not be required for men (or males) currently taking valproate. More information is available in our Drug Safety Update (DSU).  

    The information considered by the CHM and the advice issued is presented in a Public Assessment Report. The current recommendations were implemented on 31 January 2024. Our DSU includes three infographics which have been developed to provide clarity for healthcare professionals about valproate prescribing.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nick Park CBE returns to Preston to open Animate

    Source: City of Preston

    Award-winning film director Nick Park CBE returns to Preston to open Animate – Preston’s New Entertainment and Leisure Destination in February Half Term.

    The Honorary Freeman of Preston Nick Park CBE, multi award-winning filmmaker and Preston-born creator of the animated, loveable heroes Wallace and Gromit, will be visiting his hometown to officially open the city’s £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure destination.

    After 13 months of construction work that started in January 2023, the city’s new £45+m entertainment and leisure destination will officially open on Thursday 20 February with an official ceremony at 3pm.

    Nick will join The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe and other special guests to unveil a new piece of artwork for the city centre.

    Nick was previously guest of honour in the city in September 2021 when he unveiled the city’s iconic Wallace and Gromit bench at Preston Markets.

    To help us celebrate the opening of Animate and following on from the internationally-acclaimed and hugely popular family favourite, the latest Wallace and Gromit film – Vengeance Most Fowl, from 1pm Wallace and Gromit characters will also be making a special guest appearances at Animate and Preston Markets to meet and greet their fans of all ages!

    The film, which premiered on BBC One on Christmas Day, has been nominated for three Baftas and an Academy Award at this year’s prestigious international film festivals, and we wish the team at Aardman Studios the very best of luck on behalf of the people of Preston!

    The Preston Concert Band will be playing some family favourite theme tunes at the covered market from 4pm to 6pm and The Arc Cinema will be handing out delicious popcorn and other goodies to spectators and passers-by.

    Two of the new leading family restaurant brands, Argento Lounge and Taco Bell will also be open serving tasty food and drinks throughout the day. The Arc Cinema will open its doors to the public on Friday 21 February showing brand new blockbuster movies.

    The rest of the signed tenants to the scheme will phase their openings over the coming weeks:

    • Hollywood Bowl – early March
    • Ask Italian – early April
    • Mad Giant Food Hall, Northern Lights Group – late April
    • Cosmo All You Can Eat World Buffet – coming soon!

    Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources at Preston City Council said:

    We thrilled to welcome Nick Park CBE and special guests help us celebrate the opening of Animate in partnership with the launch of The Arc Cinema. The transformation on the site of the former indoor Preston Market has been a long time in the planning, and seven years almost to the day when the old indoor market shut its doors for the very last time.

    “As we celebrate and welcome special guests and our new tenants to Animate, we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved in this project over the years, and through their hard work and dedication have made the ideas into a reality that both residents and visitors to Preston can all now enjoy.

    Maple Grove Developments (MGD), part of Preston-based contractor Eric Wright Group, delivered the scheme on behalf of Preston City Council.

    The entertainment and leisure scheme supports the Council’s commitment to Community Wealth Building, a fair, inclusive, and ethical approach to fostering sustainable economic development and prosperity for all in Preston. Measures include using locally based businesses, creating approx.

    300 full and part-time jobs once fully open, and has supported 105 apprenticeship weeks worked throughout the build of the development.

    The Council-owned scheme is in part funded by UK Government.

    Visit the Animate website for more information

    Additional Information

    Projects included in Preston’s £200 million Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme are:

    • Animate – £45m multi-use entertainment and leisure complex anchored by a state-of-the-art cinema and bowling venue next to Preston Markets
    • Educate Preston: The creation of a new Careers and Employment, Information, Advice and Guidance Hub in the Harris Quarter.
    • Renewal of Harris Quarter Assets: Investment to support the redevelopment of publicly-owned buildings in the Harris Quarter to support new cultural and community uses, including Amounderness House.
    • Illuminate and Integrate: A project to deliver improved pedestrian and cycleway infrastructure, street lighting and other public realm improvements within the Harris Quarter.
    • Preston Youth Zone:The development of Preston Youth Zone as a state-of-the-art facility for young people in Preston aged eight to 19.
    • #HarrisYourPlace:The refurbishment of the Grade I listed Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, enhancing and protecting the building for future generations.
    • Preston Pop Ups: £1m pop-up programme of events bringing together new temporary event space, artworks and improvements to public realm infrastructure, aimed at boosting visitor activity in the Harris Quarter.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council issues advice for residents considering aesthetic procedures

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Environmental Health officers at City of Wolverhampton Council are concerned that people are not always aware of the safety risks and potential complications involved.

    Officers want to encourage residents to ask questions and report any concerns before undergoing aesthetic procedures such as Botox, anti wrinkle injections, cosmetic or dermal fillers, chemical peels or skin boosters.

    They recommend the following:

    • Make sure you have a pre-consultation before undergoing any procedure. This should look at your medical history and give you the chance to understand potential risks and complications.
    • Check the qualifications and experience of the person carrying out the procedure, and whether they are trained to deliver aesthetic procedures, such as injectables.
    • Ask what insurance cover, such as General Liability Insurance, does the practitioner have.
    • Check the name of the product and whether it is licensed, and how and where it is made – products such as Botulax, reNTox and Innotox are not authorised medicines for use in the UK.  
    • Don’t accept treatment on the day of the consultation. A prescription must be written and dispensed by a pharmacist for you only. This takes time, and don’t feel afraid to ask your practitioner what the risks involved are, and how they will manage any complications which may arise.
    • Check that the product is unopened before use and for those which are licensed, that it has a pharmacy dispensing label attached with your name on the label.
    • Remember that if you have any doubts, you have the right to change your mind and withdraw from undergoing the treatment.

    Residents are also urged to consider the place where procedures are taking place and if they have any concerns about the cleanliness and personal hygiene of a practitioner, to report them to environmental.health@wolverhampton.gov.uk

    Some tips on what to look out for include:

    • Sharps (such as needles) must be placed into yellow waste bins.
    • Used soft tissues and PPE (protective clothing) must be disposed of into a yellow waste bag, within a receptacle.
    • Make sure practitioners are washing their hands and wearing appropriate protective clothing, such as a single use apron, gloves and face covering where necessary.
    • Handwashing is particularly important after using the bathroom or a mobile phone. Practitioners should also change gloves after these activities to prevent the spread of infection.
    • The premises must be clean, check that you can see that cleaning products are available.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for resident services, said: “The popularity of aesthetic procedures and their availability on the high street is increasing.

    “Residents need to be aware that they can ask important questions before undergoing a procedure, and that they can let practitioners know if they feel uncomfortable.

    “Please don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to come forward and report your concerns to us confidentially. Our Environmental Health officers are there to help and can take action where necessary when there are potential risks to the public.

    “By being aware, asking questions and reporting concerns, you are helping to make sure that other people are protected and can experience a safe environment when undergoing aesthetic procedures.”

    Any member of the public with any information or concerns, or any practitioners who want additional support, can contact environmental.health@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Why skin-to-skin contact is good for parent and baby

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Viren Swami, Anglia Ruskin University

    In the 1950s, the American psychologist Harry Harlow provided a stark demonstration of the importance of a mother’s touch. He famously – and controversially – showed that rhesus monkeys would rather cling to a surrogate “mother” made of soft cloth than one made of metal wire that provided milk. A loving touch seemed to be more important than food, Harlow concluded.

    Today, the importance of touch has become firmly embedded in infant care. For example, UNICEF and the NHS recommend skin-to-skin contact between a parent and newborn. This involves placing a newborn on a parent’s bare chest, both of them covered in a warm blanket, for at least an hour after birth or until after the first feed.

    In fact, feeling the power of touch begins long before a baby is even born. Touch is the first sense to develop. Just eight weeks after conception, a foetus already responds to the sensation of touch in the womb – and it is crucial for people of any age.

    By 14 weeks, twins have been observed on ultrasound sucking on each other’s fingers and exploring each other’s faces. And frame-by-frame analyses of ultrasound have shown that, by 20 weeks, foetuses respond to mothers touching their bellies.

    The benefits of parental touch become clear at birth. One review of 52 studies involving over 4,000 newborns found that touch interventions – such as skin-to-skin contact and baby massage – was associated with better newborn health, including better regulation of temperature, breathing and heart rate. The review also found that touch was more beneficial when it came from a parent compared to medical staff.

    Cuddle up, because there are other benefits of skin-to-skin contact. When a parent holds their baby in skin-to-skin contact after birth, it helps to calm the newborn and stimulates an interest in feeding. In the longer-term, daily skin-to-skin contact with infants improves sleep patterns and pain tolerance, supports healthy weight gain and continued breastfeeding, and strengthens brain development.

    These benefits are also experienced by infants born prematurely. For example, one review of kangaroo care – skin-to-skin contact for premature or low birth-weight infants – found that it reduced the risk of death, infection and low body temperature, and improved weight gain and rates of breastfeeding.

    In both healthy and premature infants, skin-to-skin contact also triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin – the so-called “love hormone” – which encourages bonding between the parent and infant. Skin-to-skin contact also lowers levels of the hormone cortisol, which helps newborns to regulate levels of stress.

    In fact, the benefits of skin-to-skin contact are not exclusively experienced by the newborn. Studies have found that daily skin-to-skin contact with their babies can reduce symptoms of postpartum stress, depression and anxiety in mothers. And while most studies have focused on mothers, skin-to-skin contact also seems to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in fathers.

    While most of this research has focused on the short-term outcomes of touch, scientists are also following infants over time to see what impact early touch has on long-term outcomes. For example, one study found that premature babies who received at least one hour of kangaroo care for two weeks had better mother-child interactions, sleep and brain development when they were 10 years old.

    Another group of researchers followed infants and their mothers for a period of nine years. When they were only one-month-old, infants who had experienced skin-to-skin contact with their mothers already showed better emotional adjustment and attachment than infants who had no skin-to-skin contact.

    Nine years later, these children were also more willing and able to engage in emotive conversations with their mothers.

    Some of the effects of touch are more difficult to quantify. In the 1970s, for example, the psychiatrist Donald Winnicott described how a mother’s touch helps infants and young children to experience the body as “the place where one securely lives”. This idea seems to be supported by ethnographic records and anthropological studies of communities where infants are in close contact with a caregiver.

    For instance, in many communities – such as the Netsilik, !Kung, and Balinese – infants are pressed skin-to-skin with their mothers for much of the day. This means that infants are more likely to have their needs met quickly – being comforted when they cry or fed when they suckle – while also helping them develop a sensitivity to touch. These forms of “skinship” also help parents and their infants to develop deeper bonds through touch.

    While this research shows the benefits of touch in infancy, what about childhood? Studies of young children and adolescents have shown that touch – particularly caring touch like hugging from a parent or other caregivers, such as teachers – can support psychological development and wellbeing. For instance, touch can help children develop a sense of emotional security, belonging and feelings of support, especially in stressful situations.

    The anthropologist Marjorie Goodwin has described how “haptic rituals” – such as hugs between a parent and their child over the course of a day – can help the child feel loved and cared for.

    Regularly experiencing caring touch can also help children to develop their social interaction skills, including empathy toward others. Caring touch also reduces aggressive behaviour in adolescence.

    Unfortunately, even today, many parents hold on to old fashioned ideas – popularised by psychologists like John Watson – that they should avoid caring touch with their children, out of fear that hugging or cuddling will cause their children to become weak willed. The scientific evidence doesn’t support such ideas, so go hug your kids.

    Viren Swami, Professor of Social Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get moving with new ARU Writtle walking group

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    An aerial view of the ARU Writtle campus

    A new walking group aimed at getting people moving and socialising has been launched at ARU Writtle, led by popular local instructor Natasia Johnson.

    The free weekly Walk and Talk Group will centre on ARU Writtle’s campus in Lordship Lane, and also take in some of the beautiful nearby countryside.

    Natasia already leads several walks in parks around the local area which have proved popular with the Chelmsford public.

    The new walk, which takes place weekly on Mondays at 12.15pm, follows in the footsteps of the successful Nordic Walking workshops that were launched at ARU Writtle in 2024.

    “Going for a walk is one of the most underrated and underutilised activity we can do to help our physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing.

    “The club’s mission is to promote activity that encourages participants to engage in friendly conversation while enjoying the benefits of being outdoors to help support physical activity, mental health, wellbeing and social connection.

    “The walks are very casual with the pace set by the attendees, so there is no pressure to be super fit.”

    Natasia Johnson, who runs Engage Fitness Services

    “The new Walk and Talk initiative continues ARU Writtle’s stride towards supporting health and wellbeing in the community.

    “Our campus provides a fantastic natural environment for a good walk, and there are so many benefits for people taking part.”

    Greg Deacon, Head of Health at ARU Writtle

    The walks are free to join, and there is the option to purchase a drink afterwards if you wish to stay and chat. Regular attendance is encouraged to help build connections, but participants are welcome to join whenever their schedule allows. Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended, and a bottle of water is advised.

    Participants should meet at ARU Writtle’s main reception. This event will run weekly (excluding bank holidays) and booking is required. For more information and to book, visit engagefitnessservices.com

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rouge Bouillon closure – progress update13 February 2025 There are no further updates at this time. We’re making steady progress according to our four-step plan and here’s what’s happening: First, we’re installing a steel strapping system to keep the building… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    13 February 2025

    There are no further updates at this time. We’re making steady progress according to our four-step plan and here’s what’s happening: 

    • First, we’re installing a steel strapping system to keep the building stable
    • then, a Geotechnical Engineer will check the soil conditions under the foundations 
    • after that, we’ll move on to demolishing external structures, including boundary walls 
    • and finally, we’ll keep reviewing timelines, but right now, we’re aiming to reopen after Easter. 

    Timeline update: 28 Clarendon Road 

    The owner of 28 Clarendon Road has been working with an engineering team and a Geotechnical Engineer, to take action to ensure the building is made safe and restored efficiently. 

    This highlights the complexity of the response needed to carry out the repairs, as investigations continue into the stability of the building, affected by a burst water main. 

    We want to thank the owner for working with all parties to come to the fastest possible resolution. 

    Next steps

    • Step 1: Manufacture and install steel strapping system to stabilise the building 
    • Step 2: Geotechnical Engineer to then assess soil conditions beneath the foundations 
    • Step 3: The wider team can then proceed with necessary demolition of external structures, including boundary walls affecting neighbouring properties 
    • Step 4: We continue to monitor progress and review timelines for the safe reopening of Rouge Bouillon, currently expected after the Easter holidays. 

    The project remains under constant review to ensure the best and safest outcome. 

    Rouge Bouillon continues to remain closed between Clarendon Road and Palmyra Road as investigations continue into the stability of an adjacent building wall, affected by a burst water main. 

    The Government of Jersey is monitoring and facilitating ongoing meetings held with all relevant stakeholders to ensure public safety. These include Highways, Network Management, Drainage, Building Control, Jersey Water, CYPES and other key parties, alongside property owners impacted by the issue. 

    Current status with investigatory and repair work: 

    • Private parties (residents and private owners) responsible for the affected buildings are undertaking detailed investigations and repair work, which are expected to take some time. 
    • the situation is highly complex with several adjacent walls & buildings that are unsafe and severely cracked. 
    • multiple parties are involved, including Infrastructure and Environment (I&E), Jersey Water, structural engineers, building surveyors, loss adjustors, and insurance companies.

    Alternative routes and safety assurance 

    We have considered other options to manage the traffic around the closure however, the decision to retain the current traffic arrangement is based on the following factors: 

    • Reversing Clarendon Road poses additional safety risks for residents and pedestrians 
    • Allowing right-turn access onto Clarendon Road from Val Plaisant could cause severe traffic congestion, particularly near the Gyratory 
    • Reversing Midvale Road, while potentially useful, would necessitate signal junction changes, creating confusion, complications, and further safety concerns. 

    We advise the traveling public to continue to avoid the area and use alternative routes to access town where possible. 

    Public impact 

    We understand that the closure has significant impacts on daily travel and local businesses. The road will only reopen once the buildings are stabilised and all risks of structural collapse have been mitigated. 

    Next steps 

    A further update on the situation will be provided in seven days​

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Diversifying income with planting for wood products at Grascott Farm

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Diversifying income with planting for wood products at Grascott Farm

    Find out how Grascott Farm diversified their business to generate income through timber, biomass, wood products and recreation.

    Forester Sam Whatmore reflects on his 85 hectare woodland creation project that has allowed local wildlife to thrive whilst also bringing long-term value to his business.

    Grascott Farm facts

    • location: Devon
    • size: 212 acres
    • type: conifer woodland with areas of broadleaf
    • species: predominantly Douglas fir, together with Sitka spruce, field maple, ash, chestnut and oak
    • date established: 1998-2000
    • grants: Forestry Commission woodland grant and South West Forest grant
    • main objective: grow high-quality Douglas fir to produce timber and wood fuel, combined with delivery of multi-objective and continuous cover management principles

    An aerial view of woodland on Grascott Farm. Copyright Grascott Farm.

    Establishing a thriving forest

    Set in over 85 hectares within the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Grascott Farm boasts a thriving woodland that is home to barn owls, badgers and elusive otters, as well as providing a steady income through timber, biomass, and recreation. But it hasn’t always been like this – so what is the story behind Grascott Farm’s success?

    Over 25 years ago, expert forester Sam Whatmore was determined to create his own forest. Having spent years managing other people’s woodlands with short-term objectives, Sam wanted to focus on a longer-term goal: maintaining continuity of forest management to see the fruits of his labour in the years to come. When the opportunity arose to purchase an initial 25 acres of woodland in 1993, Sam jumped at the chance, supplementing his holding with the addition of a larger mixed farm in 1998.

    The primary objective of the forest was to grow high-quality Douglas fir to produce timber and other wood products. Following extensive woodland planning, trees were planted during the 1998-99 and 1999-00 planting seasons, as part of the then South West Forest, taking advantage of Forestry Commission grants and local incentives.

    With over 150,000 trees to put in the ground, this was no mean feat. Devon has ideal growing conditions for Douglas fir with the warm and wet climate, and the landholding has sloping freely draining soils to support establishment. Slightly wetter soils around the site were more appropriate for Sitka spruce, and broadleaves were planted to complement and diversify the conifer species. Careful management was critical particularly in the first 5 years of establishment, with a lot of time dedicated to weeding, pest control, and beating up, to ensure full stocking.

    Sam Whatmore, Owner, Grascott Farm said:

    The most important thing for forestry is continuity of management.

    Watch the video on how Sam Whatmore diversified his business to generate income from timber.

    Opportunity and innovation

    Establishing a woodland brings challenges, with innovative thinking required to fill the income gap between tree establishment and future returns to turn those challenges into opportunities. Holiday cottages were built in the early years on Grascott Farm to generate revenue through recreation. Deer stalking led to the creation of a successful venison business, selling high-quality burgers and sausages at shows across the county.

    In 2000, the biomass renewable energy market was only just emerging, and with it the development of a whole new avenue for the forestry sector. Aiming to be ahead of the curve, Sam installed a biomass boiler in 2003 – the third in the UK – providing heat to the holiday cottages. From this point onwards, Sam was at the forefront of wood fuel development as it grew into an established market, changing the face of the UK forestry economy. Alongside delivering hundreds of seminars across the country, Sam set up his own wood fuel business in 2006.

    This start-up evolved into the biggest biomass supply company in the UK, and has since merged with an international energy company that continues to flourish to this day.

    Sam Whatmore, Owner, Grascott Farm said:

    I absolutely love the woodland! It is my total pleasure in life and key to my wellbeing.

    Top tips for timber production

    1. Consider stocking density if you’re looking to grow high-quality timber, a greater density will result in straighter trees.
    2. Woodland management is essential for creating a well-stocked forest: the more work you put in during establishment, the greater your future returns.
    3. Think outside the box to generate income, anything is possible.
    4. Remember the impact trees have on wellbeing!

    Delivering value through woodlands

    The principle of using woodlands to deliver long-term value to people and society is central to Sam’s management plan; generating products that people need and use. Grascott Farm now has a healthy turnover as a successful business, incorporating:

    • timber and firewood: no part of the tree goes to waste, with saw logs going to the sawmill, smaller roundwood being used as firewood, and the canopy woodchip feeding the biomass boiler, which in turn is used to heat both the holiday cottages and the kiln to dry the firewood
    • biomass, supported by the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme
    • 4 prospering holiday lets for recreation and tourism
    • innovative forest products: from wooden poles for glamping tepee construction and window displays for large retailers, to a ship’s mast and foliage for florists, to sawdust for horse bedding and pokers for the steel industry – the opportunities are endless

    Alongside delivering economic benefits and valuable wood products, Grascott Farm has boosted local biodiversity, with springtime carpets of bluebells and orchids, and even a family of lively otters.

    A bridleway running through the heart of the woodland provides public access for the local community to enjoy and explore, and visitors to the holiday cottages are spoilt with nature trails, lakes, and cycle paths on their doorstep.

    The enterprise is also involved in delivering wider benefits such as educational activities and seminars, and working in collaboration with Forest Research through ongoing sample plots and experiments across the forest.

    View the brochure for this case study: Grascott Farm: innovating with timber, biomass, and wood products (PDF, 1.02 MB, 3 pages).

    Find out how the Forestry Commission can help you create woodland, visit our Tree planting and woodland creation overview.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Advanced Mathematics Support Programme decision should be reversed

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Government has announced plans to scale back the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and remove the provision of funding for Latin in the curriculum, reducing opportunities for London students.

    Today, the London Assembly called on the Mayor to oppose the cancellation of the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme.

    Emma Best AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “Education is a pivotal gateway to opportunity within our country.

    “England is amongst the highest performing countries in the world and in Maths in particular we have come leaps and bounds, rising from 27th in the world rankings in 2009 to 11th today.

    “Cuts to educational programmes that have enabled this transformative progress risks the next generation’s future

    “We do not doubt that the Mayor shares our concerns and we call on him to oppose these cuts. We also hope the Mayor will consider how his budget for adult education can best develop the math skills of Londoners and plug the potential gap left by the government.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    This Assembly wishes to express its concern at the Government’s decision to scale back the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and remove the provision of funding for Latin in the curriculum, reducing opportunities for London students to excel.

    Additionally, this Assembly regrets to learn that the Government intends to make cuts to adult education budgets for the next academic year, as reported by FE Week. These reductions undermine vital opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development, disproportionately impacting working-class Londoners as well as hindering wider economic growth.

    This Assembly believes that these policies will damage the quality of education in London, limit opportunities for students and threaten the progress made in raising school standards under the previous government.

    This Assembly calls on the Mayor to:

    • Oppose the cancellation of the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and lobby the Government to reinstate funding to ensure London students have the best possible access to educational opportunities.
    • Lobby the Government to reconsider its decision to make cuts to the Adult Skills Fund for the next academic year.
    • Consider how the Adult Skills Fund could be used to further the development of maths skills across London.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How much will a Heathrow expansion legal battle cost?

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor has been urged to reaffirm his opposition to the proposed Heathrow expansion, and to make clear in his 2025-26 budget what funds are available for legal action against the Government, if the expansion is pursued.

    The London Assembly has today also called on the Mayor to meet with West and South West London residents who would be affected by the proposed Heathrow expansion.

    Gareth Roberts AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “I am delighted the Assembly has recognised the horrific environmental impact that a third runway at Heathrow will have on our city.

    “The Mayor has made his position known, but we now compel him to write to the Chancellor, meet local South West London residents to hear their concerns and – crucially – ring fence funds in his forthcoming budget for a legal challenge against expansion plans.

    “A third runway at Heathrow Airport must be opposed at all costs to protect the health and wellbeing of Londoners.”

    Zack Polanski AM, who seconded the motion, said:

    “Heathrow expansion is an insult to Londoners who just don’t want it built: they don’t want more noise, more pollution or more noisy flights overhead.“The Mayor says he’s against a third runway but it’s time for him to put his money where his mouth is and fund legal action against this direct attack on our climate goals.

    “We simply won’t meet our targets if we say ‘fly baby fly’ to developers and businesses when so many green alternatives exist.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    This Assembly notes:

    • The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed the Government supports the future expansion of Heathrow Airport, including the building of a third runway.
    • That as recently as the January 2025 Mayor’s Question Time, the Mayor of London has stated his opposition to this expansion, in the past commenting that he would support legal action against the Government.
    • That a third runway at Heathrow would have significant consequences many areas of London, particularly in the West and South West of the city. The environmental damage, increased noise pollution, and disruption to local communities are too high a price to pay, when viable alternatives exist that can support sustainable economic growth without compromising Londoners’ health and future.

    This Assembly calls on the Mayor to:

    • Reaffirm his position opposing any expansion of Heathrow or construction of a third runway, in writing to the Chancellor.
    • Agree to meet with local resident groups across London who would be affected by Heathrow expansion to hear their concerns first hand and assure them of his plans.
    • Make clear in his Final Draft Budget 2025/26 – due for publication on 17 February – that funding is available for legal action against the Government if expansion plans are pursued.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Great British Nuclear Announces Key Leaders to Power Next Phase

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Great British Nuclear Transition Update

    Great British Nuclear (GBN) is making the step forward from start-up to a permanent organisation, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to deliver growth from nuclear and help deliver the Government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission.

    Since its inception, GBN has rapidly established itself as the Government’s delivery body for new nuclear, focusing initially on the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology Partner selection process. GBN is currently in the negotiation phase of this process, with four remaining vendors: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Ltd, Rolls Royce SMR Ltd, and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Ltd. Final decisions will be taken this Spring.

    Great British Nuclear (GBN) has also bought land for new nuclear development from Hitachi at both Wylfa on Ynys Môn/Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire. GBN is working closely with the local communities at these sites to consider how future new nuclear projects will benefit their communities.

    GBN Chair Simon Bowen said:

    “This is a great step for Great British Nuclear. We’ve benefitted from some incredibly talented people as we set up the organisation and launched the process of selecting the right small modular reactor technology for the UK, no mean feat! Now we’re consolidating and moving to the next phase. The country will benefit hugely from the new nuclear, not only in terms of GDP growth, jobs, skills and accelerating the path to Net Zero, but also in its real potential for export.”

    Key Leadership Appointments:

    • Brian Robinson, Chief Technology Officer

    • Florian Wagner, Strategy and Performance Director

    • Rachel Welch, Chief People Officer

    • Nick Smallwood, Programme Development and Assurance Director

    • Cory Reynolds, Director of Communications and Government Relations

    A high calibre CFO has been appointed and will be announced in due course. Kenny Douglas, the MD of the GBN Development Companies, remains seconded to GBN on a long-term basis.

    These appointments bring a wealth of experience and expertise to GBN, ensuring the organisation is well-positioned to achieve its goals. Both Brian Robinson and Florian Wagner have been with GBN since its inception, playing instrumental roles in its early successes.

    The permanent appointments of Chair and CEO are also underway to support the long-term stability of GBN.

    As GBN continues to grow, it remains committed to building a sustainable and secure energy future for the UK, in line with the Government’s growth mission to drive higher productivity, employment and skills development.

    For more information, please contact:

    Cory Reynolds, Director of Communications and Government Relations
    cory.reynolds@gbnuclear.gov.uk m: 07701 235045

    Ieuan Williams, Head of Stakeholder and Media Relations ieuan.williams@gbnuclear.gov.uk m: 07889 108555

    About Great British Nuclear (GBN)

    Great British Nuclear (GBN) is the Government delivery body dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in the UK. As an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), GBN plays a crucial role in ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. GBN focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK strongly condemns tragic death of World Food Programme staff member in Houthi detention: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

    I will make three points.

    First, the UK strongly condemns the tragic death of a World Food Programme staff member while in Houthi detention and we extend our condolences to their family and colleagues.

    We also condemn the recent further detentions of aid workers by the Houthis and we reiterate our clear call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained. 

    These detentions are shrinking the humanitarian operating environment at a time when we continue to see an alarming deterioration in the humanitarian situation.

    We call for an end to the Houthis’ use of fear, intimidation and unjustified detention so that aid workers are able to perform their work supporting almost 20 million Yemenis in need of humanitarian assistance. 

    Second, we welcome the release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader and thank the Sultanate of Oman for their efforts. 

    While we note the pause in maritime attacks, we must see a permanent end to these attacks to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

    As ever, we thank UN Special Envoy Grundberg for his engagement with the parties and his efforts towards peace and long term stability in Yemen.

    Finally, President, the UK reiterates our support to the Government of Yemen in delivering governance and providing for its citizens.

    This was underlined during our event in New York last month with Prime Minister bin Mubarak. The UK stood alongside 23 other Member States in calling for international and regional support for the Government to strengthen its institutional capacity and help deliver its vision for reform to improve the lives of millions of Yemenis.

    The UK and the Government of Yemen will continue to build on this progress together in the months to come. 

    This is the best way we can support a more secure, stable and prosperous future for all Yemenis.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More red tape slashed to reduce apprenticeship bureaucracy

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Reforms to apprenticeship training provider payment system and End Point Assessments will cut bureaucracy and enable focus on high quality training.

    The government is slashing more red tape to ensure businesses and apprenticeship training providers are able to focus even more of their time on apprentices, the Skills Minister announced today, unlocking opportunity and driving growth under the government’s Plan for Change.

    Reforms to the payment system have long been called for by training providers. They will cut red tape by stopping the need for providers to log the same data multiple times, saving valuable time currently wasted on duplicating records, ensuring consistency across systems.

    The move comes during National Apprenticeship Week and will mean training providers can focus on what matters most – breaking down barriers to opportunity through helping apprentices to develop their skills to enter well-paid careers and drive economic growth in key sectors.

    Today the government also announced changes to End Point Assessments (EPAs), making the system simpler and more flexible while ensuring apprentices prove their competence for skilled work.

    Where appropriate, apprentices will be assessed on some things during their apprenticeship rather than all at the end, and training providers may be able to deliver elements of the assessment, rather than having to rely on external assessors.

    The government is also ensuring apprentices don’t have to be re-tested on the same skills they have already demonstrated, such as by taking a mandatory industry exam, to avoid wasting apprentices’ time. 

    This will deliver more timely assessments while retaining rigour, and ensure that apprentices are assessed on what matters most to employers, removing unnecessary burdens to career opportunities and getting skilled workers into key industries to support growth.

    Skills Minister, Baroness Jacqui Smith, said:

    Employers and providers are burdened with needless red tape which makes it harder to train and recruit apprentices.

    We have heard time and again from training providers, apprentices and employers that this needs to change, and we are determined to deliver this so they can focus on what they do best – creating jobs and driving growth.

    Businesses should rest assured this National Apprenticeship Week that this government is determined to work with them to make apprenticeships work better, helping to grow the economy.

    Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Partnerships & Apprenticeships at Exeter College, said:

    Employer voice is very important to us here at Exeter College, and being invited to contribute to shaping some of these changes has allowed us to share concepts and ideas to make the learner and employer journey easier to navigate.

    We thank DfE for not only listening but actioning a range of simplifications to the system that will ease the burden on employers and providers alike. These measures will be welcomed across the sector and will be a significant boost to an already brilliant National Apprenticeship Week.

    Rob Nitsch, CEO of the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB), said:

    Seven years into apprenticeship standards, it is right and natural that we should be stepping back to see how end-point assessment can be optimised for the benefit of apprentices, employers and those involved in delivery.

    The Federation welcomes the principles-based methodology that the Department has proposed and the inclusive approach that has been adopted; FAB and its members are pleased to have contributed to the refinement of the principles already and look forward to working with DfE and other stakeholders to take them forward to the next stage and moving to implement the Review at pace.

    This builds on reforms announced earlier in National Apprenticeship Week by the DfE. These included shorter apprenticeships with the minimum time for completion reduced to eight months, and making English and Maths requirements for completing an apprenticeship more flexible to boost recruitment in sectors like construction and healthcare.

    Existing assessment plans will be rewritten on a standard-by-standard basis to reflect these changes, with the first plans being revised from April 2025.

    New assessment principles for apprenticeships will be published this week, and will be available here.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Repairs to start on listed Council House

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Works to repair and protect the historic Council House building are starting this week.

    The works will stabilise precast cladding panels on the Grade 2 listed building, which surveys show are deteriorating due to age and weather exposure.

    Additional fixings will be installed on the panels and the joints between them sealed to help prevent water getting in.

    A decision to allocate funding from the Council’s capital programme for the works will also allow further investigations and regular inspection of the panels.

    Further scaffolding is being erected and the works are likely to take 18 weeks to complete. The building will remain open to the public throughout and meetings and events will not be affected. However, parking will not be available at the front of the building during the works. 

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member with responsible for assets, said: “We need to care for public assets and these works are essential to protect both this important public building and the people using it. The listed status means the works will be carried out carefully and sensitively.

    “We’ll be making sure disruption to the many users of the building is kept to an absolute minimum.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tickets selling fast for the magical Beauty and the Beast

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Tickets selling fast for the magical Beauty and the Beast

    13 February 2025

    Much Ado Stage School are preparing to take to the stage at the Alley Theatre for a spellbinding performance of Beauty and the Beast. 
    The local group will perform the timeless classic from 20th-22nd February. From the enchanted castle to the charming village, this magical production promises to transport audiences of all ages to a world filled with love, bravery, and enchantment.
    Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a young woman who finds herself trapped in an enchanted castle, and the Beast, a prince cursed to live in his monstrous form. Together, they embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. Featuring memorable songs, dazzling choreography, and a talented cast, Much Ado Stage School’s performance is a delightful experience for families, theatre lovers, and fans of the classic fairytale.
    Under the direction of Rois Kelly, Much Ado Stage School’s talented cast, featuring local performers, will bring to life this enchanting story with stunning costumes, set designs, and powerful performances. Playing ‘The Beast’ is Kevin Connor and playing the beautiful ‘Belle’ is Lucy Harper. 
    Rois explained: “We are really excited to see the months of work come together to produce a showstopper with such a stellar cast, with heart-warming moments, humorous twists, and spectacular musical numbers, Beauty and the Beast will certainly captivate audiences in Strabane”. 
    Beauty and the Beast is showing from Thursday 20th- Saturday 22nd February at 7.30pm each evening and a matinee performance on Saturday 22nd  February at 2.30pm.  Tickets are £15 each. Tickets are selling fast, with limited availability for some performances so make sure to get yours now at www.alley-theatre.com or call the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444.  
     

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Leader reacts to new Government funding for new towns

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester has been allocated £1.5m by the Government to support the next phase of regeneration in Collyhurst in north Manchester – part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme.

    Leader of the Council Cllr Bev Craig said:

    “We welcome the news that the new Government wants to work with us to help us build more homes and create more jobs for Manchester residents.

    “Victoria North represents one of the most ambitious urban regeneration programmes in Europe and will see more than 15,000 homes built in the next decade, along with a range of employment, social, community, cultural and neighbourhood uses. Its delivery will transform 390 acres of brownfield and underutilised land in some of the most deprived wards of Manchester, creating a new town in Manchester, interconnected by quality green spaces which will open up and celebrate the River Irk.

    “Already, hundreds of homes have been built as part of the regeneration programme, including 130 new council homes in Collyhurst that will be available to residents very soon, alongside a new community park. 

    “This £1.5m Government funding will help to unlock a key element of the vision for Collyhurst by supporting the development of a business case for a new Metrolink stop at Sandhills, that will better connect the Collyhurst neighbourhood to the wider city and region, linking our residents to employment and other services and opportunities.

    “Investment in a new Metrolink stop in this community would be an important driver to deliver the ambitious next phase of the Collyhurst regeneration story, which looks build more than 2,500 new homes – including significant council and social housing – new shops, and further education and medical facilities.

    “We look forward to working closely with this Government in the coming months to realise the potential of Collyhurst, Victoria North and the wider area of North Manchester. Together with the news around the North Manchester General Hospital green light, this shows that Manchester is a priority for the new Government.”

    Find out more about the regeneration of Collyhurst

    Find out more about the Victoria North regeneration programme

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next step for market proposal

    Source: City of Leicester

    A PROPOSAL to return Leicester Market to its original site and create a major new event space around it is to proceed to the next stage.

    City Mayor Peter Soulsby met with market trader representatives this morning (Thursday 13 February) to advise them that he intends to move forward with the scheme, creating a food-focused market next to the existing Food Hall, together with a versatile space that would become a focal point for outdoor events in the city.

    Final designs, new planning applications and detailed costs will now be drawn up, prior to a formal decision being taken. Subject to planning permission, work could start on site this summer – and market traders could be operating from the new market building by the end of 2026.

    “This proposal would give Leicester Market a fresh start and a sustainable future – and would give the traders what they wanted: a return to the site where they’ve stood for generations,” said the City Mayor.

    “But it’s also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reopen the market place as a wonderful flexible space – as it was for hundreds of years.

    “The scale of the space, and the quality of the surrounding architecture, make it a very special site and my hope is that our investment in this scheme will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area.”

    The proposal to create a new market building, housing 48 stalls that could be fully dismantled if necessary, and a new event space for Leicester was welcomed by most of those who took part in a formal consultation last year.

    More than 1,600 (1,667) people gave their views in the online consultation, which was launched in October and ran for six weeks.

    Of those responding, 60% (1,008) supported the proposal, 38% (639) did not, and a further 20 respondents (1%) did not express a preference.

    “I’m grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation, as their views showed there’s support for the proposal,” said the City Mayor.

    “My focus now is on progressing this scheme, ahead of a formal decision. Our project team will now be developing the designs and preparing the planning applications, with a view to getting this important site redeveloped and open for business as quickly as possible.”

    A planning application for the new square is due to be submitted next month (March), with plans for the new building expected to be submitted in July. 

     

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Great turn out for school apprenticeship show

    Source: City of Coventry

    As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, the Apprenticeship Team at Coventry City Council hosted more than 25 employers for a School Apprenticeship Show.

    The event held this week at Coventry Rugby Club brought together over 300 students.

    Severn Trent, Coventry University, BUUK infrastructure, Land Rover and West Midlands Police were just a few of the organisations promoting the wealth of apprenticeship opportunities available.

    The show provided an invaluable platform for young people to explore career pathways, engage with employers, and gain insights into how apprenticeships can be a direct route into skilled employment.

    Employers from sectors such as construction, healthcare, digital, engineering, and the public sector were on hand to share information, answer questions, and inspire the next generation of apprentices.

    Cllr Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at the Council, said: “I’m really pleased that our own apprenticeship team is helping to bring together so many great organisations and so many young people.

    “Events like this are such a great way to highlight the different career options that apprenticeships can be the springboard to.”

    Zak Bhana, Apprenticeship and Career Pathways Advisor, at Coventry City Council, said: “The event was a real success. It was great to see so many Coventry-based employers getting involved and informing students about the different apprenticeship career pathways they have available.

    “Apprenticeships provide fantastic opportunities for young people to earn while they learn, and this event highlighted just how many options there are locally.”

    The Apprenticeship Show aligns with the Council’s commitment to supporting young people into meaningful careers and ensuring local businesses can connect with the talent they need.

    A huge thank you to all the employers, students, and schools who took part in making this event such a success. If you’d like to find out more about apprenticeships in Coventry, please visit our Apprenticeships Hub or contact the team at coventry.gov.uk/apprenticeships

    Thursday, 13th February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preserve the house of William Blake as a national cultural centre

    Source: Mayor of London

    William Blake, author of ‘Jerusalem’, regarded as the unofficial national anthem, is internationally revered as a Poet, Artist, and Visionary.  He lived at 17 South Molton Street in London for 17 years in two humble rooms in which he produced his most famous and influential illustrated works.

    Today, the London Assembly has called for the site to become a cultural and educational hub and visitor centre, boosting the local and London economy.

    Marina Ahmad AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “Preserving our heritage is vital to our cultural identity, well-being, and economic growth. William Blake—renowned poet, artist, and visionary—lived and created some of his most influential works at 17 South Molton Street. Yet, this historic home is at risk of being lost.

    “We have a unique opportunity to transform Blake’s last remaining London residence into a world-class cultural and educational hub, honouring his legacy while boosting the local economy. The homes of Mozart, Rembrandt, and Burns are thriving visitor attractions – let’s do the same with William Blake’s house.

    “I ask the mayor to meet with the William Blake Fellowship, engage with the Grosvenor Group, and rally key stakeholders to support this vision. If action is not taken now, we risk losing this opportunity forever. Let’s secure Blake’s legacy for generations to come.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    This Assembly recognises that preserving our heritage is important to the cultural, well-being and economic growth of our country.

    William Blake, author of ‘Jerusalem’, regarded as the unofficial national anthem and sung at the 2012 Olympics and by all main political parties, is internationally revered as a Poet, Artist and Visionary.

    Last year international Blake exhibitions in Los Angeles, the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge and in Europe attracted thousands of visitors. Blake is on the National Curriculum taught in UK Primary and Secondary schools.

    William Blake lived in 17 South Molton Street in London for 17 years in two humble rooms in which he produced his most famous and influential illustrated works, now in 56 galleries and private collections around the world.  The home is a Georgian townhouse similar to Handel House or Charles Dickens’ houses and has been cherished as The House of William Blake even when Blake still lived there in 1803, all the way up to present day.

    The building is listed with English Heritage as ‘more than of special interest’ to the nation and since the 1970’s has had a City of London blue plaque. Blake’s unique contribution to the arts and humanity should be proudly celebrated by his home city with this site becoming a cultural and educational hub and visitor centre which would boost the local and London economy.

    The William Blake Fellowship has been liaising for many months with the company who owns the property. The company’s plan is to renovate it as a private residence sold on the commercial market. It is instead now the time for this property to become a cultural hub, honouring and celebrating the life and works of William Blake.

    This would draw from the success of long standing historic houses in other European cities such as Mozart’s House in Vienna, Rembrandt’s House in Amsterdam, Dante’s House in Florence, nearby Handel House in London and Robert Burns’s House in Scotland, the legacy of which generates £200 million a year to the Scottish economy. The Fellowship has produced ample evidence of the social, cultural and economic value of this property being repurposed as a world class cultural visitor centre.

    The House of William Blake’s proposal is supported by the Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries Justine Simons OBE, Lord Vaizey of Didcot, Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, Westminster Council, Dee Corsi, Chief Executive Officer of New West End Company, a business partnership of 600 UK and international retailers, Mayfair residents and English Heritage.

    The Fellowship has submitted an application for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding and are soon meeting with Westminster Council to discuss its pre-app planning submission for the process of changing the use of the building from a private residence to a cultural centre.           

    However, the current owners of the building, although also supportive of the proposal in principle, are continuing with their planned renovation and marketing of Blake’s home as a private residence.

    The Fellowship retains the ambition to open a centre in 2027, which would mark both 200 years since Blake’s death and 270 years since his birth. If the property is continued to be developed as a luxury apartment, the opportunity to create a dedicated centre to William Blake at his last remaining London home will be lost for good.

    This Assembly resolves to:

    • Call on the Mayor to meet with the William Blake Fellowship to be updated on the current status of plans for the House of William Blake.
    • Convey the importance and need for this venture to the Grosvenor Group and board, as well as their Chair, the Duke of Westminster, and request the pausing of the ongoing commercial renovation work so that the House of William Blake proposal can continue to the next stages of development.
    • Call for Grosvenor Group to develop and work with the relevant public and private partnerships to enable the creation of the centre to go forward.
    • Call a meeting with key stakeholders (listed above) to discuss working together in the same way that the Government, councils and institutions of other major European cities have partnered to create the houses of Rembrandt, Mozart and Robert Burns as international cultural visitor attractions.
    • Write to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, and the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant MP, to convey the importance of the House of William Blake being preserved as a national cultural centre.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Assembly wants re-evaluation of increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions

    Source: Mayor of London

    The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor of London to lobby the Chancellor to re-evaluate the current increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions and the additional £7bn in costs on employers arising from the Government’s Budget.

    This follows concerns raised by industry bodies including the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as major retailers including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons.

    Alessandro Georgiou AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “The impact of the raise in employer’s National Insurance Contributions on Londoners could not be clearer in the threatened job-losses in the capital.

    “I am pleased that the Assembly has backed my motion calling on the Mayor to lobby the Chancellor to review this, and I hope that the Mayor will share in our concerns about the impact on businesses and Londoners by extension.

    “£7bn is a large bill for businesses to swallow – now is the time for the Mayor to come out and oppose it.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    This Assembly wishes to express its concern regarding the impact of the Government’s Autumn Budget, including the decision to increase employer’s National Insurance contributions. Decisions taken by this Government have let to economic uncertainty, market turmoil, additional business costs and higher borrowing costs.

    This Assembly regrets that costs have risen significantly for employers, and many have been forced to reduce their workforce as a result of the Budget, with Londoners bearing the brunt of redundancies and higher prices.

    This Assembly notes the concerns of industry bodies such as the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry who found only 1 in 4 business leaders are confident that the Government will deliver growth.

    This Assembly also notes recent job cuts announced by major retailers including: Sainsbury’s (3000 cuts), Tesco (400 cuts), Morrisons (200 cuts), WH Smith, River Island, Schuh, Currys and Next, as well as the comments made by Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, who just days after the Budget announcement said, “There will be difficult decisions to take as a result”.

    This Assembly calls on the Mayor to lobby the Chancellor to re-evaluate the current increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions and the additional £7bn in costs on employers arising from the Budget, to better support Londoners and their job security.

     

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sidcup bypass speed limits need to be investigated

    Source: Mayor of London

    The London Assembly has called on the Mayor of London to launch an independent investigation into temporary speed limits put in place on the A20 at the Sidcup bypass between October 2023 and October 2024.

    In a motion agreed today, the Assembly noted campaign groups’ concerns that:

    • Signage was insufficient and followed the wrong chapter of the signage manual
    • The signage installed was potentially hazardous with the top of the mounting post not fully covered by the sign
    • There are allegations that the traffic order (0622) was not published on the Transport for London (TfL) website or in compliance with statutory instruments

    Thomas Turrell AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “There are serious questions to be raised about whether TfL have followed due procedure, and for that reason they cannot be allowed to mark their own homework in investigating what has happened.

    “The Assembly has spoken clearly: the Mayor should call an independent investigation, so that we might learn lessons from this and avoid the mistakes made with the A20.

    “This has affected drivers who say that they couldn’t possibly have known they were breaking the rules, and we owe it to them to thoroughly investigate this issue.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    This Assembly calls on the Mayor of London to launch an independent investigation into the implementation of the temporary speed limits on the A20 at the Sidcup by-pass, which were in place between October 2023 and October 2024.

    This Assembly notes the concerns raised by campaign groups which include:

    • Allegations that the traffic order (0622) was not published on the Transport for London (TfL) website or in compliance with statutory instruments, and that the Officer named on the order does not appear on the Audit record, and concerns at the possibility that the wrong Officer signed off on the order altogether.
    • Signage being insufficient and following the wrong chapter of the signage manual.
    • Concerns that the signage installed was potentially hazardous with the top of the mounting post not fully covered by the sign.

    This Assembly believes that TfL cannot be allowed to mark their own homework on this issue and therefore calls on the Mayor to launch an independent investigation into these concerns so that lessons can be learnt and the mistakes seen with the A20 are not repeated.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London urged not to use Green Belt to meet housing targets

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London has been urged to work with the government to ensure that London’s Green Belt is not put at risk to meet the new housing targets.

    A London Assembly motion, agreed today, expresses concerns that the target of 87,992 new homes per year in the capital may not be achievable on brownfield sites alone, and notes that the Greater London Authority has said that Green Belt land release “appears unavoidable given the changes to national policy”.

    The motion also notes that the Government’s top-down targets do not take into account the type of housing Londoners need, especially family-sized homes in many areas, focusing instead on overall unit numbers.

    The Assembly has therefore called on Sir Sadiq Khan to lobby the Government to:

    • Ensure that London’s housing targets are deliverable on brownfield land
    • Replace blanket unit-based targets for each area with housing-type targets, such as habitable room targets
    • Bring forward measures to incentivise, and remove obstacles from, schemes with planning permission being built out in a timely manner.

    Thomas Turrell AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “London’s lungs, our greenbelt, is at risk from the implications of the NPPF, despite us having a wealth of brownfield sites in the city to utilise to meet housing targets.

    “There are also concerns about meeting the need for family housing in our city, rather than just dozens of high-rise flats.

    “The Assembly has backed this motion now calling on the Mayor to lobby for an amended NPPF to reflect these concerns which we share.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    The Assembly notes the publication of the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024, and the housing need figures published alongside it, including a total of 87,992 homes per year in London. The Assembly is concerned about the significant increases imposed on many London boroughs, and whether these are deliverable, in view of the availability of land, material and labour.

    The Assembly is concerned as to whether such high targets would be achievable on brownfield sites alone, and notes that the Greater London Authority (GLA) has already started contacting London boroughs about undertaking reviews of the Green Belt. Whereas the current and previous Mayors have been strongly supportive of protecting London’s Green Belt through the London Plan and in planning decisions, it is notable that in a recent submission to a planning inspector on a local plan, the GLA has said that Green Belt land release “appears unavoidable given the changes to national policy”.

    In addition, such top-down targets do not take into account the type of housing Londoners need, especially family-sized homes in many areas, focusing instead on overall unit numbers. The Assembly also notes that, according to the Planning London Datahub, there are over 800,000 homes in London with planning approval that have not yet been completed, including over 500,000 that have not yet been started.

    The Assembly therefore calls on the Mayor to lobby the Government to:

    • Ensure that London’s housing targets are deliverable on brownfield land and do not put the Green Belt at risk.
    • Replace blanket unit-based targets for each area with housing-type targets, such as habitable room targets.
    • Bring forward measures to incentivise, and remove obstacles from, schemes with planning permission being built out in a timely manner, including social, accessible and affordable housing schemes.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Commonhold V Leasehold – Assembly wants pilot project

    Source: Mayor of London

    The London Assembly has called on the Mayor to introduce a commonhold pilot project on Greater London Authority (GLA) land, to help provide Londoners with an alternative to leasehold homes.

    In a motion agreed today, the Assembly also urged the Mayor to lobby the Government to introduce legislation to develop commonhold as an alternative to leasehold “as soon as possible”.

    The motion notes that commonhold is a better alternative to leasehold, with each unit-holder owning the freehold of their home, along with a share of the commonhold association which owns and manages the common parts of the property.

    Andrew Boff AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “The Mayor’s manifesto commitments included support for commonhold as an alternative to leasehold, and now the Assembly has iterated that he should be lobbying for changes in the law to provide this.

    “This is the better alternative to leasehold, and would bring us into line with international standards – now the onus is on the Mayor to ensure this happens.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    The Assembly notes that London has the highest proportion of leaseholders in the country. In 2022/23, 36% of London’s homes were leasehold, more than double the proportion in the rest of England. 62% of London’s flats are leasehold, comprising just over 1.3 million. London leaseholders typically pay higher service charges, with the median annual service charge £1,450 in 2022/23, compared with £1,222 across England. In 2023, 20% of London leaseholders paid more than £4,000 per year in service charges.

    The Assembly notes that commonhold offers a better alternative to leasehold, with each unit-holder owning the freehold of their home, along with a share of the commonhold association which owns and manages the common parts of the property. Similar forms of flat ownership are used around the world, with England being one of the only countries still to use the leasehold system.

    The Assembly also notes that the Mayor’s 2021 and 2024 election manifestos both gave strong support for commonhold as an alternative to leasehold, with the Mayor pledging in 2021 to “pilot a commonhold scheme to show how this form of ownership can become the new national standard for new flats” and in 2024 to “continue to campaign for an end to the feudal leasehold system and its replacement with commonhold”.

    The Assembly resolves to strongly support the development of commonhold as an alternative tenure to leasehold, and calls on the Mayor to lobby the Government to legislate for this as soon as possible.

    The Assembly also calls on the Mayor to introduce a pilot commonhold project on Greater London Authority (GLA) Group land, to ensure that new flats developed for sale on GLA Group land are either commonhold or freehold, and to use GLA housing funds to promote commonhold or freehold schemes where possible, rather than leasehold.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Successful community event builds futures for young people in Normanton

    Source: City of Derby

    An “inspiring” community event took place at Akaal Primary School recently which brought together key local partners to support young people and families to identify employment and education options for young people.

    Led by Derby City Council’s Neighbourhood Team, this initiative was a direct response to ideas raised at the recent Normanton Partnership; a collaboration of residents, community groups, schools and councillors.

    The event gave residents the opportunity to ask local organisations about the work taking place in their neighbourhood, and also gave young people and their families the chance to talk about apprenticeship and educational opportunities available to them.

    With the involvement of organisations such as Aspire2Succeed, Derby College, DWP Job Centre, Derbyshire Constabulary, Supporting Communities and many others, the event provided a vital space for engagement, support, and collaboration. Over 60 residents attended, highlighting the community’s desire for accessible, local support.

    A key takeaway from the evening was that young people expressed the importance of having a dedicated space within their community where they feel safe, valued, and represented. The success of this event has laid the foundation for further events in the future at other locations around Derby, so residents learn more about their neighbourhood team and education and employment opportunities available to them.

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

    It was truly inspiring to see people of all ages, along with their families, come together to discuss their futures and explore the opportunities available to them. I would encourage any young people who would like more information about what opportunities are available to get in touch with the Derby City Council Employment and Skills team who will be able to let you know about all the latest employment opportunities in Derby.

    A huge thank you to all the incredible organisations that played a role in making this happen. Your collaboration and commitment to supporting our young people and communities is what makes events like this so impactful.”

    This event is one of many employment and skills events that have been put on by The Employment Hub. The Hub has been created to help you gain the confidence, support and skills to move into employment. The Hub, is based at the Council House and is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. You can find one to one employment and careers advice as well as opportunities to get in touch with local employers. If you can’t make it into the council house, you can email employmentandskills@derby.gov.uk or telephone: 01332 956989 for a discussion.

    More information about local opportunities is also available in Derby Jobs Weekly. This free newsletter features all of the latest employment opportunities as well as information about apprenticeships, upskilling courses, and training into employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extramural Studies Placement 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Opportunity for veterinary students to apply to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2025.

    The VMD invites veterinary students who are in their clinical years of study to apply to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2025, at the VMD’s offices in Addlestone, Surrey. 

    The placement is an exciting opportunity to discover how veterinary medicines and vaccines are authorised.  Students will also explore other important aspects of the VMD’s work and will learn about a range of career opportunities in the veterinary profession.

    The placement will be run from 7 to 11 July 2025.  The week will be structured with lectures and workshops.  Some of the topics that will be covered include:

    • Medicine use in clinical practice
    • Assessing new medicine applications, including Quality, Safety and Efficacy of medicines
    • Generic medicines; bioequivalence and biowaivers
    • Pharmacovigilance and the importance of reporting adverse events
    • Novel and emerging therapies
    • VMD international activities
    • Antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance
    • Veterinary medicine legislation

    To apply

    Please complete the EMS Application form (MS Word Document, 44.9 KB) and email to ems@vmd.gov.uk.

    Applications will close on 14 March.  All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 21 March.

    Please note, students will be responsible for their own accommodation and travel costs. 

    We look forward to receiving your applications.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The heart is symbol of love – things weren’t always like that

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

    Valentine’s Day is all about the hearts: heart-shaped chocolates, cards, balloons and even pizza. But the heart hasn’t always just been a symbol of romance.

    Across cultures and centuries, the heart has been revered as the seat of the soul, a source of supernatural power and a vessel of identity. From ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs to medieval relics, from necromantic rituals to modern heart transplants, this organ has been at the centre of both scientific curiosity and deep-seated mysticism.

    Why has the heart, more than any other organ, been imbued with such deep symbolism and power? While anatomy tells us it is a muscular pump controlled by electrical impulses, history tells a more complex story – one of rituals, relics and even dark magic.

    The human heart is a remarkably efficient pump, beating about 100,000 times a day and circulating about 7,500 litres of blood. It is driven by the sinoatrial node, a cluster of pacemaker cells that spontaneously generate electrical impulses independently of the brain.

    As this intrinsic electrical system does not rely on direct nervous input but is influenced by it, the heart can continue beating for a short while even when removed from the body – provided it has an adequate supply of oxygen and electrolytes. This uncanny quality only reinforced superstitions that the heart was more than just a muscle and may explain why many early cultures viewed the heart as possessing a life force of its own.

    But to present the heart as merely a pump ignores wider influences. The heart functions as an endocrine organ, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, fluid balance and cardiovascular health.

    The connection between the heart and “love hormones”, such as oxytocin, extends beyond metaphor, as research suggests the heart not only responds to oxytocin but may also play a role in its release.

    Oxytocin is primarily produced in the brain by the hypothalamus and released from the pituitary gland, flooding the body during moments of affection, trust and bonding. It is the chemical catalyst behind the deep emotional connections that define human relationships.

    The heart is equipped with oxytocin receptors, and studies show that the hormone promotes vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), reducing blood pressure and improving circulation. Beyond this, oxytocin may protect the heart, helping it repair itself and reducing inflammation after injury, such as during a heart attack.

    However, the heart’s function was not always understood. The ancient Greeks believed it was the seat of intelligence, while Aristotle dismissed the brain as a mere “cooling fluid” for the heart’s divine fire.

    Galen, a Greek physician, surgeon and philosopher who lived during Roman times, described the heart as the body’s furnace, while William Harvey’s 1628 discovery of circulation reshaped our understanding of this important organ. Even so, its symbolic and mystical significance never fully waned.

    The seat of the soul

    The ancient Egyptians preserved the heart during mummification, believing it would be weighed by Anubis against the Feather of Truth, the divine measure of justice. Ironically, the brain was discarded as totally useless. An excerpt from the Book of the Dead, an ancient Egyptian funerary text, reads:

    O my heart which I had from my mother! which I had from my mother! O my heart of my different ages! Don’t stand up as a witness against me. Do not be opposed to me in the tribunal.

    This spell is intended to pacify the heart and assert dominion, ensuring it remains loyal when weighed.

    The idea that the heart carried more than just blood persisted into the Renaissance, with scholars debating whether it was the true locus of identity.

    “If indeed from the heart alone rise anger or passion, fear, terror, and sadness; if from it alone spring shame, delight, and joy, why should I say more?” Andreas de Laguna, a Spanish physician wrote in 1535.

    Even today, heart transplants fuel questions about whether a transplanted heart carries something of its donor. Some recipients report changes in personality, memories or food preferences, raising speculation about cellular memory. While no definitive scientific basis exists, such cases continue to intrigue.

    Heart of darkness

    The heart’s power was not only revered, but feared. In folk magic and necromancy, people believed that the hearts of executed criminals retained energy from their violent deaths. Some thought consuming, burning or preserving a heart could grant knowledge or strength.

    In Scotland and England, people reportedly boiled the hearts of murderers to prevent their ghosts from haunting the living. Dried hearts were sometimes ground into powders for potions, while in occult traditions, they were burned in rituals to banish spirits or bind enemies.

    More disturbing are accounts of unbaptised infants’ hearts in witchcraft traditions. Some sources claim they were used in hexes, flying ointments or dark pacts. While probably exaggerated during witch trials, such stories reflect a deep-rooted belief in the heart as a conduit of power.

    The heart has been a vessel of the soul, a source of magic and a point of conflict between science and superstition. While modern medicine has demystified much of its function, its symbolism remains deeply ingrained in human culture.

    This Valentine’s Day, as we exchange stylised hearts in celebration of love, we might pause to remember that the power of the heart has been a symbol of life, death and everything in between for millennia.

    Michelle Spear does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The heart is symbol of love – things weren’t always like that – https://theconversation.com/the-heart-is-symbol-of-love-things-werent-always-like-that-249211

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A822 North Bridge Street Resurfacing Works

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Due to the nature of the works and available road space, these works will be carried out under a restricted hours road closure between 9.15am and 3pm Monday to Friday, with no weekend working planned, to minimise disruption. On street parking and loading will also be suspended in the works area.   

    During the road closure hours, the official diversion route will be via the A822, A85, A9, A823 and A822, and vice versa. The works area and official diversion route are both shown on the location plan (PDF, 1 MB).  

    Outside the closure hours, temporary traffic signals may be used to protect road users and the work site.  

    During the works, vehicle access to properties within the works area will be limited and immediate entry/exit cannot be guaranteed. Our contractor will grant access when it is safe to do so, however we would advise residents and motorists to expect some delays. Access for emergency services vehicles will be maintained throughout, and on waste collection days bins should be presented as normal. 

    Some changes to bus services during the working hours will be necessary – arrangements for these will be detailed on our Public Transport pages. 

    We apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause and would thank residents and motorists for their patience while the resurfacing is carried out.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Thrive Acquires Secured Network Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, Cloud, and IT managed services, today announced the acquisition of Secured Network Services (SNS), a leading New Hampshire-based IT provider for organizations across industries, including healthcare, non-profit, and municipal government. The acquisition will enable Thrive to enter the New Hampshire market to deepen its presence in New England, bringing its industry-leading global Security Operation Center (SOC) & Hybrid Cloud solutions to SNS’ customers.

    Cyber regulations are continuing to get more complex across industries – for example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is facing several proposed changes to its Privacy and Security rules in 2025. With the acquisition of SNS, Thrive will deepen its vertical industry knowledge, ensuring healthcare, non-profit, and government customers are backed with the latest industry insights to navigate these challenging landscapes. Together, Thrive and SNS will enable customers in New Hampshire and beyond to have access to industry-leading resources and Thrive’s global high-touch 24x7x365 service mandate.

    “SNS’ similar philosophy of providing the highest caliber of technical expertise and unwavering dedication to customers greatly resonated with us,” said Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive. “Coupled with their deep vertical knowledge, SNS will ensure we continue delivering the best technology solutions to businesses across industries.”

    This acquisition builds upon Thrive’s tremendous growth, having completed eleven previous acquisitions over the past two years, most recently acquiring Michigan-based Safety Net and North Carolina-based The Longleaf Network. Along with geographic expansion, Thrive also received a strategic investment from Berkshire Partners and Court Square Capital Partners to continue scaling the capabilities of the company.

    “Our team is excited to accelerate our growth and enable our customers to have access to Thrive’s NextGen solutions,” Kevin M. Low, Founder & CEO at SNS. “Our mission of helping businesses get the most from their technology aligns seamlessly with Thrive’s dedication to delivering outsized ROI and the best technology outcomes for each customer. We look forward to advancing our capabilities to better help our customers navigate the complex IT landscape with Thrive’s partnership.”

    To learn more about Thrive and its offerings, visit the website.  

    About Thrive  
    Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.  

    Contacts  
    Amanda Maguire  
    thrive@v2comms.com   

    The MIL Network –