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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New reforms to support victims of child sexual abuse

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Victims of child sexual abuse will be better supported with new reforms that prioritise their rights.

    • Three-year limit for compensation claims to be axed – enabling victims to come forward when ready
    • Burden of proof to shift from survivors to defendants – protecting victims from reliving trauma
    • Measures deliver recommendations of Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

    The Government is delivering on recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) to make it easier for victims to gain an apology and to pursue claims in the civil court.

    The three-year time limit for victims to bring personal injury claims will be removed. So will the burden of proof that currently rests on victims’ shoulders, who must prove it is possible to hold a fair trial for one to go ahead. Now, that burden is lifted off victims and placed on defendants, who must show a fair trial cannot proceed if they intend to block one. This will enable cases to be heard more easily, and protect victims from reliving their trauma.

    The Law of the Apologies will also be amended to encourage employers to apologise to people wronged by their employees, where currently they fear doing so because of institutional liability, meaning that victims are likelier to receive apologies from schools, care facilities or hospitals for abuse carried out by an individual at these institutions.

    The Government has listened to victims, survivors and experts through two consultations – and they have said they want action.

    Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said:

    Child sexual abuse causes lifelong trauma and these important changes, recommended by Professor Jay, are long overdue.

    These measures help survivors pursue their path to justice. They build on the Government’s mission of halving violence against women and girls and support our Plan for Change.

    Currently civil child sexual abuse claims must be brought within three years of turning 18, unless the victim can prove a fair trial can proceed despite the time lapse. But as the IICSA heard, a “significant number” of claims are being rejected because it can take “decades for survivors to feel able to discuss their sexual abuse”.

    As a direct result of today’s reforms, all cases brought will proceed unless the defendant proves that a fair hearing cannot take place, for example due to lack of evidence.

    IICSA also heard that in many child sexual abuse cases, an apology by an institution was desired but never delivered, blocking victims’ path to closure.

    Often organisations are reluctant to apologise because of concerns it may be interpreted by individuals such as insurers, as an admission of fault. The Government will clarify, as per the IICSA recommendation, that apologies could and should be offered by employers for the actions of current or former employees.

    Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC said:

    The courts must work for the public they serve – and we recognise that victims and survivors need time to process their trauma.

    By changing the law, it will now be possible for victims to come forward, and seek justice, when they feel ready to do so.

    The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse heard the powerful testimonies of more than 7,000 victims and made 20 final recommendations.

    The measures announced today build on action already taken across government to respond to horrific child sexual abuse crimes, including providing £10 million to drive change at a local level to protect children across the country from grooming gangs, and a suite of legislative measures to tackle online child sexual abuse, including two world leading measures on AI-generated child sexual abuse material. These measures form part of our commitment – underscored by our Plan for Change – to halve violence against women and girls this decade.

    Legislation will also be brought forward to make grooming an aggravating factor in the sentencing of child sexual offences, and introduce a new Mandatory Reporting duty, in the Crime and Policing Bill to be put before Parliament this Spring. A new offence will also be created so anyone covering up child sexual abuse will face criminal sanctions.

    Changes to the Law of Apologies and Limitation Law, follow two Government consultations in 2024.

    Gabrielle Shaw, Chief Executive of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), said:

    This is a watershed moment for survivors of child sexual abuse. These reforms recognise the long-term impact of trauma and ensure survivors are not excluded from seeking redress simply because of the time taken to come forward.

    NAPAC also welcomes greater clarity on apologies. A sincere apology, when freely given and supported by meaningful action, is invaluable – especially as part of wider efforts to ensure accountability and prevent future harm.

    These important changes reflect the growing understanding of what survivors need to access justice and healing, and we welcome the government’s commitment to making them a reality.

    Civil claims are made where someone feels that they have suffered a harm or a wrong which another person or organisation is accountable for. It is made by issuing a claim form at the relevant court (such as the County Court), and serving it on the defendant. 

    Further information:

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark: 4 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister hosted the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, at Downing Street this evening.

    The Prime Minister hosted the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, at Downing Street this evening.

    The leaders reflected on the EU Council dinner last night, and the Prime Minister said he was pleased to have been able to set out his vision for a closer UK and EU relationship that would benefit all sides through greater growth and enhanced defence and security cooperation.

    Both agreed on the need to strengthen European defence capabilities, including through NATO.

    Turning to security in the High North and Arctic region, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the important role Denmark was playing and welcomed their recent announcement of a new military package to defend the Arctic from hostile activity. 

    Both leaders agreed to step up joint cooperation to address threats in the Arctic and High North, working with allies through NATO and JEF Partners. 

    Turning to Ukraine, the Prime Minister welcomed the Danish Prime Minister’s reflections on the current battlefield situation and the leaders underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine’s forces for the long term, putting them in the strongest possible position.

    The Prime Minister welcomed Denmark’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, adding he looked forward to working closely with Prime Minister Frederiksen during this time, including on the shared challenge of migration.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark: 4 February 2025

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

    The Prime Minister hosted the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, at Downing Street this evening.

    The Prime Minister hosted the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, at Downing Street this evening.

    The leaders reflected on the EU Council dinner last night, and the Prime Minister said he was pleased to have been able to set out his vision for a closer UK and EU relationship that would benefit all sides through greater growth and enhanced defence and security cooperation.

    Both agreed on the need to strengthen European defence capabilities, including through NATO.

    Turning to security in the High North and Arctic region, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the important role Denmark was playing and welcomed their recent announcement of a new military package to defend the Arctic from hostile activity. 

    Both leaders agreed to step up joint cooperation to address threats in the Arctic and High North, working with allies through NATO and JEF Partners. 

    Turning to Ukraine, the Prime Minister welcomed the Danish Prime Minister’s reflections on the current battlefield situation and the leaders underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine’s forces for the long term, putting them in the strongest possible position.

    The Prime Minister welcomed Denmark’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, adding he looked forward to working closely with Prime Minister Frederiksen during this time, including on the shared challenge of migration.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Massachusetts Member of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Sentenced to 44 Years in Prison for Terrorism Offenses

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Minh Quang Pham, also known as “Amim”, 41, of Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 44 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for attempted suicide bombing in alliance with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    “The defendant was sentenced for an attempt to commit an act of terrorism and plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of AQAP,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will not rest in seeking justice for acts of terrorism and will continue to thwart any attempt to jeopardize global security.”

    “Pham coordinated with known terrorist Anwar al-Aulaqi on a plot to conduct a suicide bombing at Heathrow International Airport which could have killed or injured many people, but fortunately that plan was stopped,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Pham also tried to recruit others to commit acts of terrorism. The FBI will work with our partners to hold accountable those who align themselves with terrorist organizations and attempt to carry out acts of violence.”

    “Minh Quang Pham’s actions were not just an affront to the safety of this country, but to the principles of peace and security that we hold dear,” said U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon for the Southern District of New York. “Today’s sentencing underscores our collective resolve to stop terrorism before it occurs, and place would-be terrorists in prison.”

    According to court documents, in December 2010, Pham informed others that he planned to travel to Ireland while residing in London. From Ireland, he traveled to Yemen, the principal base of operations for AQAP. Pham traveled to Yemen in order to join AQAP, wage jihad on behalf of AQAP, and martyr himself for AQAP’s cause. After arriving in Yemen, he swore an oath of loyalty to AQAP in the presence of an AQAP commander.

    While in Yemen in 2010 and 2011, Pham provided assistance to and received training from Anwar al-Aulaqi, a U.S.-born senior leader of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi advised Pham to return to the U.K. for the purpose of finding and making contact with individuals who, like Pham, wanted to travel to Yemen to join AQAP. Al-Aulaqi also provided Pham with money, as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that Pham was to use to contact al-Aulaqi upon his return to the U.K. In addition, Pham exchanged his laptop computer with al-Aulaqi, who provided him with a new “clean” laptop to take with him when he returned to the U.K. so that the authorities would not find anything if they searched his computer.

    In or about June 2011, prior to his departure from Yemen, Pham approached al-Aulaqi about conducting a suicide attack whereby he would “sacrifice” himself on behalf of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi personally taught Pham how to create a lethal explosive device using household chemicals and directed Pham to detonate such an explosive device at the arrivals area of Heathrow International Airport following Pham’s return to the U.K. in 2011. Al-Aulaqi instructed Pham to carry an explosive in a concealed backpack and target the area where flights arrived from the U.S. or Israel. During this time, Pham made videos depicting his preparation to carry out that attack. In one video, Pham is shown wiring an electrical device for the use of making an explosive device. In another video, he sketches an explosive device to be contained in a backpack, and in a third, Pham wears a backpack with wiring for explosives on it, which he turns on in the video.

    During this time, around June or July 2011 — shortly before Pham returned from Yemen to the U.K. — Pham recorded a video in which he attempted to recruit and encourage individuals in the West to engage in violent jihad abroad or in their home countries. In this video, he also expresses a desire to martyr himself. At the outset of this video, consisting of an approximately 13-minute-long monologue, Pham states that, “America itself is not fighting a war with a group or an organization, they are fighting with the army of Allah, the believers.” He continues, in part, “We have that opportunity, that ability to be in their midst, in their land . . . and I advise the brothers inshallah to, whatever you can, to gather and prepare and strike the enemy in their own land . . . The saying, a thousand cuts, you hit them with as much as you can until inshallah the enemy will bleed to death.” During his time in Yemen, Pham also assisted with the preparation and dissemination of AQAP’s propaganda magazine, Inspire. Pham, who has college degrees in both graphic design and animation, worked directly with now-deceased U.S. citizen, Samir Khan, who was a prominent member of AQAP responsible for editing and publishing Inspire.  

    Pham also received a six-page document entitled “Your Instructions” from al-Aulaqi in Yemen, which provided detailed instructions on how Pham was to commit his suicide attack at Heathrow. The document from al-Aulaqi instructed Pham, “[d]o not do anything for the first three months” and “[y]ou should target Christmas/ New Year season[.]” The instructions from al-Aulaqi provided explicit direction about the importance of using shrapnel to kill as many people as possible, including that “[t]he proper use of shrapnel is as important as the main charge itself. The detonation wave from a main charge of AP by itself is most likely not going to cause the death of anyone except those who are in its immediate vicinity. It is the shrapnel that would do the job. You may imagine this IED as a shotgun that is firing in all directions.” The document therefore instructed Pham to take “special care” with the “proper arrangement and choice of shrapnel,” and to “poison” it to inflict maximum death.

    On July 27, 2011, Pham returned to the U.K. Upon his arrival at Heathrow, U.K. authorities detained Pham, searched him, and recovered various materials from him, including a live round of 7.62mm caliber armor-piercing ammunition, which is consistent with ammunition that is used in a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a type of weapon for which Pham received training from AQAP in Yemen. U.K. authorities released Pham and cautioned him for his possession of the live round of ammunition, before, in December 2011, arresting him pursuant to their authorities under U.K. immigration law. In searches of Pham’s residence, other locations, and vehicles, U.K. authorities recovered several pieces of electronic media. Among other things, a forensic analysis of Pham’s electronic media showed that he was accessing speeches and writings of al-Aulaqi as late as December 2011 — months after Pham’s return to the U.K.

    On May 24, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pham with terrorism offenses and U.S. authorities sought Pham’s extradition from the U.K. He was provisionally arrested with a view towards extradition on June 29, 2012, and he was extradited to the United States on Feb. 26, 2015. On Jan. 8, 2016, Pham pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses related to certain of the same underlying conduct. On May 27, 2016, Pham was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan principally to a term of 40 years in prison. On Sept. 12, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed Pham’s conviction and sentence. Thereafter, Pham made a motion that, based on intervening Supreme Court decisions, resulted in the vacatur of one of the counts of his conviction. Ultimately, the government, with Pham’s consent, moved to vacate Pham’s earlier convictions. On April 8, 2021, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment, reinstating certain charges and filing other new charges against Pham, and which formed the basis for Pham’s May 11, 2023, guilty plea and conviction.

    The FBI Washington and New York Field Offices investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Metropolitan Police Service/SO 15 Counter Terrorism Command at New Scotland Yard, Crown Prosecution Service, and the Home Office provided assistance in the investigation, extradition, and prosecution of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob H. Gutwillig for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Member of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Sentenced to 44 Years in Prison for Terrorism Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Minh Quang Pham, also known as “Amim”, 41, of Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 44 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for attempted suicide bombing in alliance with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    “The defendant was sentenced for an attempt to commit an act of terrorism and plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of AQAP,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will not rest in seeking justice for acts of terrorism and will continue to thwart any attempt to jeopardize global security.”

    “Pham coordinated with known terrorist Anwar al-Aulaqi on a plot to conduct a suicide bombing at Heathrow International Airport which could have killed or injured many people, but fortunately that plan was stopped,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Pham also tried to recruit others to commit acts of terrorism. The FBI will work with our partners to hold accountable those who align themselves with terrorist organizations and attempt to carry out acts of violence.”

    “Minh Quang Pham’s actions were not just an affront to the safety of this country, but to the principles of peace and security that we hold dear,” said U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon for the Southern District of New York. “Today’s sentencing underscores our collective resolve to stop terrorism before it occurs, and place would-be terrorists in prison.”

    According to court documents, in December 2010, Pham informed others that he planned to travel to Ireland while residing in London. From Ireland, he traveled to Yemen, the principal base of operations for AQAP. Pham traveled to Yemen in order to join AQAP, wage jihad on behalf of AQAP, and martyr himself for AQAP’s cause. After arriving in Yemen, he swore an oath of loyalty to AQAP in the presence of an AQAP commander.

    While in Yemen in 2010 and 2011, Pham provided assistance to and received training from Anwar al-Aulaqi, a U.S.-born senior leader of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi advised Pham to return to the U.K. for the purpose of finding and making contact with individuals who, like Pham, wanted to travel to Yemen to join AQAP. Al-Aulaqi also provided Pham with money, as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that Pham was to use to contact al-Aulaqi upon his return to the U.K. In addition, Pham exchanged his laptop computer with al-Aulaqi, who provided him with a new “clean” laptop to take with him when he returned to the U.K. so that the authorities would not find anything if they searched his computer.

    In or about June 2011, prior to his departure from Yemen, Pham approached al-Aulaqi about conducting a suicide attack whereby he would “sacrifice” himself on behalf of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi personally taught Pham how to create a lethal explosive device using household chemicals and directed Pham to detonate such an explosive device at the arrivals area of Heathrow International Airport following Pham’s return to the U.K. in 2011. Al-Aulaqi instructed Pham to carry an explosive in a concealed backpack and target the area where flights arrived from the U.S. or Israel. During this time, Pham made videos depicting his preparation to carry out that attack. In one video, Pham is shown wiring an electrical device for the use of making an explosive device. In another video, he sketches an explosive device to be contained in a backpack, and in a third, Pham wears a backpack with wiring for explosives on it, which he turns on in the video.

    During this time, around June or July 2011 — shortly before Pham returned from Yemen to the U.K. — Pham recorded a video in which he attempted to recruit and encourage individuals in the West to engage in violent jihad abroad or in their home countries. In this video, he also expresses a desire to martyr himself. At the outset of this video, consisting of an approximately 13-minute-long monologue, Pham states that, “America itself is not fighting a war with a group or an organization, they are fighting with the army of Allah, the believers.” He continues, in part, “We have that opportunity, that ability to be in their midst, in their land . . . and I advise the brothers inshallah to, whatever you can, to gather and prepare and strike the enemy in their own land . . . The saying, a thousand cuts, you hit them with as much as you can until inshallah the enemy will bleed to death.” During his time in Yemen, Pham also assisted with the preparation and dissemination of AQAP’s propaganda magazine, Inspire. Pham, who has college degrees in both graphic design and animation, worked directly with now-deceased U.S. citizen, Samir Khan, who was a prominent member of AQAP responsible for editing and publishing Inspire.  

    Pham also received a six-page document entitled “Your Instructions” from al-Aulaqi in Yemen, which provided detailed instructions on how Pham was to commit his suicide attack at Heathrow. The document from al-Aulaqi instructed Pham, “[d]o not do anything for the first three months” and “[y]ou should target Christmas/ New Year season[.]” The instructions from al-Aulaqi provided explicit direction about the importance of using shrapnel to kill as many people as possible, including that “[t]he proper use of shrapnel is as important as the main charge itself. The detonation wave from a main charge of AP by itself is most likely not going to cause the death of anyone except those who are in its immediate vicinity. It is the shrapnel that would do the job. You may imagine this IED as a shotgun that is firing in all directions.” The document therefore instructed Pham to take “special care” with the “proper arrangement and choice of shrapnel,” and to “poison” it to inflict maximum death.

    On July 27, 2011, Pham returned to the U.K. Upon his arrival at Heathrow, U.K. authorities detained Pham, searched him, and recovered various materials from him, including a live round of 7.62mm caliber armor-piercing ammunition, which is consistent with ammunition that is used in a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a type of weapon for which Pham received training from AQAP in Yemen. U.K. authorities released Pham and cautioned him for his possession of the live round of ammunition, before, in December 2011, arresting him pursuant to their authorities under U.K. immigration law. In searches of Pham’s residence, other locations, and vehicles, U.K. authorities recovered several pieces of electronic media. Among other things, a forensic analysis of Pham’s electronic media showed that he was accessing speeches and writings of al-Aulaqi as late as December 2011 — months after Pham’s return to the U.K.

    On May 24, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pham with terrorism offenses and U.S. authorities sought Pham’s extradition from the U.K. He was provisionally arrested with a view towards extradition on June 29, 2012, and he was extradited to the United States on Feb. 26, 2015. On Jan. 8, 2016, Pham pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses related to certain of the same underlying conduct. On May 27, 2016, Pham was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan principally to a term of 40 years in prison. On Sept. 12, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed Pham’s conviction and sentence. Thereafter, Pham made a motion that, based on intervening Supreme Court decisions, resulted in the vacatur of one of the counts of his conviction. Ultimately, the government, with Pham’s consent, moved to vacate Pham’s earlier convictions. On April 8, 2021, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment, reinstating certain charges and filing other new charges against Pham, and which formed the basis for Pham’s May 11, 2023, guilty plea and conviction.

    The FBI Washington and New York Field Offices investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Metropolitan Police Service/SO 15 Counter Terrorism Command at New Scotland Yard, Crown Prosecution Service, and the Home Office provided assistance in the investigation, extradition, and prosecution of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob H. Gutwillig for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding secured for next phase of major flood defence scheme

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby’s Our City, Our River (OCOR) project has been handed a £35 million boost by the Government, with the allocation of Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid to deliver the next phase of the scheme

    The funding has been released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) from their Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Investment Programme and will be managed by the Environment Agency on their behalf.

    This secures the future of Derby Riverside, which will deliver significant flood resilience protection to many properties along the east bank of the Derwent. It will now go to Cabinet to be formally accepted and allows the Council to enter into contract with construction partners.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said: 

    It’s incredible news for Derby that this funding package has been allocated by the government to protect our city from the risk of flooding. This will be such welcome news for households and businesses alike. We can now really start to push ahead with the works at Derby Riverside as we continue to future proof the city against extreme weather. 

    Here in Derby, we’re all too familiar with the effects of climate change. In the last six years we have seen the five highest river levels on record. The Our City, Our River flood prevention scheme has already delivered enhanced protection to thousands of properties, but there is still more work to do to ensure our city has the best defences possible.

    This £35 million investment from the Government means we can now build on the years of hard work from the Council and Environment Agency to deliver this critical infrastructure our city needs.

    Alex McDonald, Strategic Senior Flood Risk Management Advisor at the Environment Agency said:

    We know the devastating effect that flooding can have on communities and businesses including within Derby City. OCOR represents a long-standing partnership between Derby City Council and the Environment Agency. The Derby Riverside element will replace aging flood defences in the city, provide space for water and help to transform the city centre. As the project moves into its next phase we will continue to support Derby City Council to deliver this vital infrastructure for the city centre, helping the city to keep pace with our changing climate.

    The city saw the effects of climate change in action in 2023 when river levels reached their highest point ever recorded during Storm Babet, and while the flood gates and defences built during earlier phases of OCOR have not been called into action since, there have been several named storms in recent months.

    Derby Riverside will deliver enhanced protection along the east bank of the river, starting at Causey Bridge and ending at the Railway Bridge across the river. The new flood wall and flood gates will offer far better protection for Exeter House and properties on Meadow Road and Meadow Lane, as well as unlocking the potential for regeneration in this part of the city. 

    This next stage will also provide enhanced protection to businesses such as Rolls-Royce, which is planning to expand its riverside site at Raynesway. Terry Meighan, Director – Infrastructure at Rolls-Royce Submarines said: 

    We continue to work closely with Derby City Council and the Environment Agency on future flood defences, which will protect our Raynesway site and play an important role in our expansion plans. The work we do helps protect the UK by powering the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear submarines and defending against flooding helps us maintain our delivery commitments to the UK Ministry of Defence.

    These works will involve the demolition of the riverside office blocks on Stuart Street to create a new riverside green area, providing more space for water to pass through the city in a controlled corridor during a flood event. The Council are currently working with affected businesses to acquire the necessary land.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record investment to protect thousands of UK homes and businesses

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A record £2.65 billion will be committed to build or maintain up to 1,000 flood defences, protecting more than 66,000 properties.

    Environment Agency: Ipswich Tidal Barrier

    Tens of thousands of homes and business will be better protected from flooding as the government unveils a record package to build new flood defences and maintain and repair those already in place.  

    As part of the Plan for Change, the Government is committing a record two-year investment of £2.65 billion with 52,000 properties set to benefit from new defences by March 2026. To shore up creaking defences in need of repairs, funding will be reprioritised for investment in much-needed maintenance, benefitting a further 14,500 properties. This means a total of 66,500 properties will benefit from this funding.   

    With the frequency of extreme weather events only continuing to rise, leading to devastating impacts for people, homes, businesses and communities and costing the UK economy billions each year, decisive action to invest in adapting to climate change has never been more important.  

    As well as protecting families from the devastation of flooding, the investment supports economic growth by protecting businesses, supporting jobs, and supporting a stable economy in the face of the increasing risk of flooding as a result of climate change. It will also protect farmland which has been badly hit by recent storms, in turn helping to safeguard farm businesses and farmers’ profits. 

    This Government inherited flood assets in their poorest condition on record, as years of underinvestment and damaging storms left 3,000 of the Environment Agency’s 38,000 high-consequence assets at below the required condition.   

    The announcement comes as the Government’s Floods Resilience Taskforce meets today, with Floods Minister Emma Hardy joined by ministers from across government alongside representatives from the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, and the National Farmers’ Union. They will look at further steps that can be taken to protect the 6.3 million properties in England at risk from flooding, and discuss lessons to learn from Storms Bert, Conall and Éowyn this winter.

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said: 

    The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods.   

    The role of any Government is to protect its citizens. 

    Under our Plan for Change, we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and maintenance flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding.

    Up to 1000 projects are set to receive a share of the funding. Projects receiving funding include:   

    • Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Flood Defence Scheme in Somerset, which will receive £43 million. 

    • The Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme “Our City Our River”, which is set to receive £35 million. 

    • In the West Midlands, the Beales Corner project, which protects communities in Bewdley, will benefit from £2 million.  

    • An additional £3.5 million for the Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill Flood Defences in Dorset 

    • Support for property flood resilience schemes across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, receiving £2.5 million. 

    Essential maintenance will be made to defences across the country including:

    • Phase 3 of the Stallingborough Sea Defences along the Humber estuary, receiving over £7 million 

    • A further £3.8 million will be spent to improve protection in Pevensey Bay, as part of work to repair local sea defences.  

    Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said:  

    The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather, like Storms Bert, Conall and Éowyn. 

    With this new funding, we will work closely with the Government to deliver the vital projects that are needed across the country, ensuring our investment goes to those communities who need it the most.

    Recognising many flood defence projects have stalled, £140 million from the investment programme will be prioritised for 31 projects that are ready for delivery, ensuring nearby communities are protected as soon as possible. The full list of schemes to benefit will be announced in the coming months.  

    In addition to providing this crucial funding, the Government will be focused on fixing the foundations of the nation’s flood defences and giving communities confidence that they will protect them. This year, £36 million is being spent to undertake urgent repairs to defences damaged in last winter’s extreme flooding events.  

    For the next year, a further £72 million will go towards maintaining and repairing assets, including those damaged in recent flood events, to ensure they are as resilient as possible and operate as expected.   

    Today’s Floods Resilience Taskforce will be hosted by Flood Re, a joint initiative between the Government and insurers aimed at making the flood cover part of household insurance policies more affordable. 

    The expert group’s discussions will focus on the national and local response to this winter’s flooding. It will also discuss further the long-term delivery of the Government’s flood resilience strategy and investment, including the planned review of the government’s funding formula for allocating money to flood and coastal erosion defence schemes.  

    Wider action to improve the nation’s flood resilience 

    The government is committed to delivering a refreshed and updated approach to flood defences, fit for the challenges we face. 

    • The existing funding formula for allocating money to defences slows down the delivery of new schemes through a complex application process and neglects more innovative approaches to flood management – which is why a consultation to update the formula will be launched shortly. 

    • In addition, to support rural communities impacted by flooding, more than £57 million has paid out to farmers impacted by severe weather between October 2023 and March 2024. The Farming Recovery fund has supported 12,700 businesses to cover the cost of restoring their farmland. 

    • Elsewhere, the government has allocated £50 million to internal drainage boards (IDBs) as part of a one-off £75 million IDB Fund. This funding will empower IDBs to manage water levels effectively for agriculture and environmental needs, ensuring their crucial role in flood and water management is supported for years to come.  

    • In addition, the Environment Agency has also confirmed that 34 natural flood management projects will move ahead to delivery. These projects, which are located across England, will use nature to increase the nation’s flood resilience. These projects, which are located across England, will use nature to increase the nation’s flood resilience. 

    • Beneficiaries include Leicester City Council, which is working in partnership with Trent Rivers Trust to reduce flood risk across 13 locations in Leicestershire. Their work includes implementing blue green sustainable drainage at several schools, tree planting, and creating new wetlands to improve floodplain connectivity and increase flood water storage.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member Of Al Qaeda In The Arabian Peninsula Sentenced To 44 Years In Prison For Terrorism Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Minh Quang Pham Traveled to Yemen and Received Military Training from AQAP to Commit a Suicide Attack at Heathrow International Airport

    Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Devin DeBacker, the Head of the National Security Division of the United States Department of Justice, announced today that MINH QUANG PHAM, a/k/a “Amin,” 41, was sentenced to 44 years in prison for terrorism charges based on Pham’s support of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (“AQAP”), a designated foreign terrorist organization, including attempting to commit a suicide bombing at Heathrow International Airport (“Heathrow Airport”).  On May 11, 2023, PHAM pled guilty to providing and attempting to provide material support to AQAP and participating in a conspiracy to do the same; conspiring to receive military-type training from AQAP; and providing and attempting to provide material support for acts of terrorism.  Today’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.

    U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said:  “Minh Quang Pham’s actions were not just an affront to the safety of this country, but to the principles of peace and security that we hold dear. Today’s sentencing underscores our collective resolve to stop terrorism before it occurs, and place would-be terrorists in prison.”

    Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division Devin DeBacker said: “The defendant was sentenced for an attempt to commit an act of terrorism and plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of AQAP. The Justice Department will not rest in seeking justice for acts of terrorism and will continue to thwart any attempt to jeopardize global security.”

    According to the indictments, extradition materials, court filings and statements made at related court proceedings, including today’s sentencing:

    In December 2010, PHAM informed others that he planned to travel to Ireland while residing in London. From Ireland, he traveled to Yemen, the principal base of operations for AQAP. PHAM traveled to Yemen in order to join AQAP, to wage jihad on behalf of AQAP and to martyr himself for AQAP’s cause. After arriving in Yemen, he swore an oath of loyalty to AQAP in the presence of an AQAP commander.

    While in Yemen in 2010 and 2011, PHAM provided assistance to and received training from Anwar al-Aulaqi, a U.S.-born senior leader of AQAP.  Al-Aulaqi advised PHAM to return to the United Kingdom for the purpose of finding and making contact with individuals who, like PHAM, wanted to travel to Yemen to join AQAP.  Al-Aulaqi also provided PHAM with money, as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that PHAM was to use to contact al-Aulaqi upon his return to the U.K.  In addition, PHAM exchanged his laptop computer with al-Aulaqi, who provided him with a new “clean” laptop to take with him when he returned to the U.K. so that the authorities would not find anything if they searched his computer.

    In or about June 2011, prior to his departure from Yemen, PHAM approached al-Aulaqi about conducting a suicide attack whereby he would “sacrifice” himself on behalf of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi personally taught PHAM how to create a lethal explosive device using household chemicals and directed PHAM to detonate such an explosive device at the arrivals area of Heathrow following PHAM’s return to the U.K. in 2011.  Al-Aulaqi instructed PHAM to carry an explosive in a concealed backpack and target the area where flights arrived from the U.S. or Israel.  During this time, PHAM made videos depicting his preparation to carry out that attack.  In one video, PHAM is shown wiring an electrical device for the use of making an explosive device; in another, he sketches an explosive device to be contained in a backpack; and in a third, PHAM wears a backpack with wiring for explosives on it, which he turns on in the video.

    Also during this time, in or about June or July 2011—shortly before PHAM returned from Yemen to the U.K.—PHAM recorded a video in which he attempted to recruit and encourage individuals in the West to engage in violent jihad abroad or in their home countries; in this video, he also expresses a desire to martyr himself.  At the outset of this video, consisting of an approximately 13 minute-long monologue, PHAM states that, “America itself is not fighting a war with a group or an organization, they are fighting with the army of Allah, the believers.”  He continues, in part, “We have that opportunity, that ability to be in their midst, in their land . . . and I advise the brothers inshallah to, whatever you can, to gather and prepare and strike the enemy in their own land . . . The saying, a thousand cuts, you hit them with as much as you can until inshallah the enemy will bleed to death.”  During his time in Yemen, PHAM also assisted with the preparation and dissemination of AQAP’s propaganda magazine, Inspire. PHAM, who has college degrees in both graphic design and animation, worked directly with now-deceased U.S. citizen Samir Khan, who was a prominent member of AQAP responsible for editing and publishing Inspire.

    PHAM also received a six-page document entitled “Your Instructions” from al-Aulaqi in Yemen, which provided detailed instructions on how PHAM was to commit his suicide attack at Heathrow.  The document from al-Aulaqi instructed PHAM, “[d]o not do anything for the first three months” and “[y]ou should target Christmas/ New Year season[.]”  The instructions from al-Aulaqi provided explicit direction about the importance of using shrapnel to kill as many people as possible, including that “[t]he proper use of shrapnel is as important as the main charge itself.  The detonation wave from a main charge of AP by itself is most likely not going to cause the death of anyone except those who are in its immediate vicinity.  It is the shrapnel that would do the job.  You may imagine this IED as a shotgun that is firing in all directions.”  The document therefore instructed PHAM to take “special care” with the “proper arrangement and choice of shrapnel,” and to “poison” it to inflict maximum death.

    On July 27, 2011, PHAM returned to the U.K.  Upon his arrival at Heathrow, U.K. authorities detained PHAM, searched him, and recovered various materials from him, including a live round of 7.62mm caliber armor-piercing ammunition, which is consistent with ammunition that is used in a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a type of weapon for which PHAM received training from AQAP in Yemen.  U.K. authorities released PHAM and cautioned him for his possession of the live round of ammunition, before, in December 2011, arresting him pursuant to their authorities under U.K. immigration law.  In searches of PHAM’s residence, other locations, and vehicles, U.K. authorities recovered several pieces of electronic media.  Among other things, a forensic analysis of PHAM’s electronic media showed that he was accessing speeches and writings of al-Aulaqi as late as December 2011—months after PHAM’s return to the U.K.   

    On May 24, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pham with terrorism offenses and U.S. authorities sought Pham’s extradition from the United Kingdom.  He was provisionally arrested with a view towards extradition on June 29, 2012, and he was extradited to the United States on February 26, 2015.  On January 8, 2016, Pham pled guilty to terrorism offenses related to certain of the same underlying conduct.  On May 27, 2016, Pham was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan principally to a term of 40 years in prison.  On September 12, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed Pham’s conviction and sentence.  Thereafter, Pham made a motion that, based on intervening Supreme Court decisions, resulted in the vacatur of one of the counts of his conviction. Ultimately, the Government, with Pham’s consent, moved to vacate Pham’s earlier convictions.  On April 8, 2021, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment, reinstating certain charges and filing other new charges against Pham, and which formed the basis for Pham’s May 11, 2023 guilty plea and conviction.

    *               *                *

    In addition to the prison term, PHAM, 41, was also sentenced to life term of supervised release and a $400 special assessment.

    Ms. Sassoon praised the extraordinary investigative work of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.  She also expressed her gratitude to the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force for the critical role it played in the investigation and prosecution.  Ms. Sassoon also thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs for their significant assistance, as well as the Metropolitan Police Service/SO 15 Counter Terrorism Command at New Scotland Yard, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Home Office for their cooperation in the investigation, extradition and prosecution.

    This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob H. Gutwillig is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Caithness Area Place Planning community event

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Several public drop-in sessions are being held across Caithness during February with displays of options for the future masterplanning for the area.  Council officers will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer any questions.  

    The content of each session will vary slightly, with a mix of displays focussing on the draft Caithness Area Place Plan, the Highland Investment Plan, the Highland Local Development Plan and the Visitor Levy consultation.

    Communities and Place Committee Chair, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “These collaborative community events are an excellent opportunity for the public to come along and find out more about the future masterplanning for the area and ask questions and suggest ideas. It also opens the opportunity to connect and discuss further partnership working within our communities.”

    Plans on display and for discussion are:

    Highland Investment Plan – In May 2024 Highland Council approved the £2.1 billion twenty-year Highland Investment Plan.  This is a highly significant, long term infrastructure investment programme for the Highland area and is a radical solution to the significant challenges the Council faces in reducing, maintaining, and renewing our asset base, and is closely linked to plans to modernise Council service delivery. 

    A key element of this approach will be to establish Community Points of Delivery which will be places where a wide range of Council services, including education, can be delivered alongside other partner and community services as part of a future integrated operating model for partnership working.

    Thurso has been selected as one of the priority locations to develop a local place-based masterplan and this event will provide an opportunity to view the work that has been carried out to date and to gather feedback from members of the community. Further engagement with stakeholders will take place thereafter, and prior to reporting on the outcomes at a Council meeting in June.

    Highland Local Development Plan (HLDP) – The Highland Council is gathering evidence including the views of the public and local organisations to help formulate a new, statutory land use plan for Highland. This Plan will shape future planning application and other building investment decisions. The events will display and present the information we think is relevant to the future planning of Thurso, Wick, nearby large villages and the wider Caithness area but we want your views on what else we should consider. Planning staff will be available in Wick and Thurso to discuss the Plan and explain how to find out more and make comment. A consultation launched on 31 January on evidence, runs to 12 noon on 31 March 2025; a call for development sites launched the same day runs until 12 noon on 02 May 2025. For those that can’t make the events then more details of the Plan and access to the current consultation are available here 

    Caithness Area Place Plan (APP) – drafts of the Caithness Area Place Plan will be available.  This plan will capture the priorities for the area set out in other plans and those identified through previous community engagement sessions.  The APP provides the basis for place-centred service delivery and will act as a tool for funders, guiding investment into the area. 

    Visitor Levy – a public consultation is currently underway on the proposal to implement a Visitor Levy in Highland Visitor Levy Consultation | Visitor Levy | The Highland Council and officers will be present at the sessions in Wick and Thurso to informally answer any questions about the proposals and the consultation process.

    The drop-in sessions are as follows:

    Wednesday 12 Feb 2025 – Public Engagement Drop In – Pulteney Centre, Wick -1000-1530

    Tues 18 February 2025 – Public Engagement Drop In – Thurso Library – 1500-1930

    Weds 26 February 2025 – Public Engagement Workshop – Lybster Community Hall – 1400-1700

    For those who can’t attend any of the sessions, there will also be an on-line evening event on Wednesday 19 February 2025 –  to book a place please click here

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Project helps to renew interest in low-demand void housing

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Good progress is being made to create sustainable tenancies in Caithness by enhancing the appeal for re-letting of low-demand void council housing.

    The Council’s Void-Plus Policy involves improvements being made to voided properties to increase the appeal of these homes. There are low demand issues in Caithness so a choice-based letting scheme currently operates in the area. This means housing applicants can register an interest in a property which will then be considered by the service.

    Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, Housing and Property Chair said: “Our Housing Management Team has already undertaken a host of work to progress this project so far including completing surveys, reports and engaging with sites and services.

    “The initial results do indicate that this approach is working as previously void properties have successfully received offers from housing applicants following improvement works. I am also glad to note that the feedback from tenants who are now living in these homes have expressed satisfaction with the condition of the properties.”

    The project is one of many included within the Council’s five-year Delivery Plan which is committed to securing social and economic transformation in the Highlands.

    4 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southbridge Man Convicted of Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Southbridge man has been convicted by a federal jury for his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed cocaine and fentanyl throughout the North Shore and Central Massachusetts areas.

    Ismael Maysonet, 40, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for June 4, 2025. In September 2022, Maysonet was charged along with 21 other co-conspirators.

    “Ismael Maysonet was a member of a large-scale drug trafficking organization that pumped fentanyl and cocaine into the communities of Massachusetts. We will continue to target and dismantle these groups to keep our communities safe and hold drug traffickers accountable,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “My office is committed to prosecuting all drug traffickers who prey on the vulnerable and addicted in our communities. We will continue to root out, arrest and prosecute those who violate our drug laws.”

    “Those who choose to distribute fentanyl and cocaine endanger their customers as well as the general public. Maintaining public safety requires that they be prosecuted aggressively,” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “We work closely each day with our law enforcement partners to target those who seek to profit from the sale of these substances.”

    “Postal inspectors are committed to ensuring the U.S. Postal Service is not a mechanism to distribute deadly fentanyl and other illicit narcotics,” stated Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “Let today’s verdict serve as a reminder that postal inspectors, along with our law enforcement partners, remain steadfast in our resolve to combat the flow of illicit drugs impacting our communities.”

    In and around August 2021 through August 2022, Maysonet was identified as a member of a Southbridge-based DTO who distributed cocaine and fentanyl to retail customers and other drug dealers at the request of the leaders of the DTO, Jonathan Pizarro Gonzalez and Isaac Gonzalez. The DTO regularly used the United States mail to conduct drug trafficking activities. Specifically, the DTO obtained large quantities of cocaine through packages mailed from Puerto Rico to addresses used by the DTO and mailed packages containing fentanyl to recipients in Florida and elsewhere. On multiple occasions Maysonet was observed retrieving packages that were delivered by the United States mail that were known to contain drugs. Throughout the investigation, Maysonet was heard over intercepted calls discussing drug trafficking, payments and pickups, as well as the packaging of fentanyl in an electronic device to be mailed to Florida. Approximately nine kilograms of cocaine from packages sent through the mail and 800 grams of fentanyl were seized from various DTO members over the course of the investigation.

    Both Jonathan Pizarro Gonzalez and Isaac Gonzalez pleaded guilty in January 2025 and are scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2025 and May 12, 2025, respectively.  

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams of cocaine fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence offive5 years and up to life in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    U.S. Attorney Foley, DEA Acting SAC Belleau and USPIS INC Larco-Ward made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police, Southbridge Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, Essex County Sherriff’s Department and Worcester County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

    This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Emergency response beacons can cut drownings at the beach – but 72% of people haven’t heard of them

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Brander, Professor, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney

    Rob Brander

    Do you know what an emergency response beacon or “ERB” is? Do you know what it does? Do you know which beaches have one? If you answered “nope!” to any of those questions, you’re not alone – and that’s a problem.

    In short, an emergency response beacon basically consists of a telephone and camera that sits on a pole on a beach. These can be triggered with a button press by anybody who sees someone in trouble in the water or on the sand.

    In New South Wales, where emergency response beacons are located on some beaches, pressing the button puts you in immediate contact with a 24/7 duty officer at the Surf Life Saving New South Wales state operations centre.

    This duty officer can then talk with the person, give instructions and dispatch the nearest suitable emergency resources to that location. The beacons are solar powered and 4G/5G enabled.

    But our new research, recently published in the journal Ocean & Coastal Management, found only 28% of surveyed beachgoers have heard of emergency response beacons – and only half of those actually knew what they were for.

    Our findings show a clear need to better communicate with and educate the public about the purpose and location of emergency response beacons. Otherwise, these potential lifesaving devices might not be as effective as authorities assume.

    Why NSW installed ERBs

    In 2023-24 there were 61 coastal drowning deaths in NSW, representing a 27% increase from the previous year and a 33% increase above the ten-year average.

    Most of these coastal drowning deaths occurred at beaches (56%) and along rocky coastal locations (25%).

    All of them occurred away from patrolled areas or outside of patrol hours.

    The traditional response to keeping people safe in unpatrolled coastal locations has been to install various signs warning visitors about potential hazards such as rip currents.

    However, previous studies have highlighted these signs don’t always work – many people look past them or don’t understand them.

    In 2018, the NSW state government committed A$16 million over four years to install emergency response beacons at identified drowning hotspots.

    At least 53 have now been installed along the NSW coast, including at both unpatrolled and patrolled beaches, with additional funding available to install more units from 2024 to 2028.

    All will eventually have rescue tubes attached (a rescue tube is a flotation device often used in lifesaving efforts).

    This all sounds great, but how effective have emergency response beacons actually been in reducing drowning?

    Our new research, conducted by the UNSW Beach Safety Research Group on public awareness and understanding of emergency response beacons, has shown there is significant work to do.

    What we did and what we found

    Our study involved surveying 301 people at beaches along the NSW coast, both beaches with and without emergency response beacons, and both unpatrolled and patrolled.

    Only 28% of the surveyed beachgoers had actually heard of emergency response beacons.

    Of those, only half (54%) actually knew what they were for and 50% were not aware if the beach they were visiting had one installed.

    Most people who were aware of the beacons (82%) lived within ten kilometres from the coast and had learned about them from direct experience visiting a beach with a beacon. In other words, they were locals.

    Given that between 2014 and 2024, 73% of coastal drowning deaths were associated with visitors who lived more than ten kilometres from the location where they drowned, this finding suggests that knowledge of emergency response beacons may not be getting through to the people who need it most.

    Our results also showed that, after being briefed about their purpose, most people (72%) surveyed thought that emergency response beacons were a great idea.

    At least 53 ERBs have now been installed along the NSW coast.
    Rob Brander

    Concerningly, though, people with lower swimming abilities said they’d feel safer and more likely to go in the water if they knew an emergency response beacon was there. This is definitely not the intended outcome at an unpatrolled beach, and suggests the presence of beacons may give some people an unjustified sense of safety and confidence.

    Collectively, our results suggest there is an urgent need for vastly improved communication to enhance public awareness and understanding of emergency response beacons to all types of visitors to beaches in NSW.

    People are using ERBs but more detail required

    Nevertheless, emergency response beacons are clearly being used. Earlier this summer, Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said there had been more than “100 documented rescues and activations as a direct result of the ERBs being installed”. You can also find examples on social media of people using the beacons.

    Much like beach safety messaging in general, we need more evidence-based research to assist in the strategic placement of future emergency response beacons, including in other Australian states apart from NSW.

    The response times to emergency response beacon activations should also be examined in further detail; in areas with full mobile phone reception, it might be faster, easier and cheaper to alert emergency services by phoning 000.

    Ultimately, the best way to stay safe at a beach is to swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.

    On unpatrolled beaches it really comes down to always thinking about beach safety, understanding and being aware of hazards like rip currents, knowing your own abilities and sticking to the mantra: “if in doubt, don’t go out”.

    If you want to learn more about emergency response beacons and their locations before venturing out to a beach in New South Wales, please visit the Surf Life Saving NSW website.

    Rob Brander receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the NSW State government, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and Surfing NSW.

    – ref. Emergency response beacons can cut drownings at the beach – but 72% of people haven’t heard of them – https://theconversation.com/emergency-response-beacons-can-cut-drownings-at-the-beach-but-72-of-people-havent-heard-of-them-248676

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Electric vehicle batteries can last almost 40% longer in the real world than in lab tests

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Swinburne University of Technology

    AU USAnakul/Shutterstock

    When we see “tested under laboratory conditions”, we often assume real-world conditions will lead to faster degradation of a product.

    But experts from Stanford University have found the opposite is true for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Their new research shows traditional laboratory testing leads to faster degradation, while real-world use gives substantially more battery life, extending the lifespan of the entire EV. Researchers found the stop-start way we drive and the variable rate the battery discharges power actually prolongs battery life by up to 38% compared to traditional tests.

    This is good news for EV drivers – and for efforts to electrify transport. This extra battery life would translate to more than 300,000 more kilometres an EV could drive before needing battery replacement, the researchers say.

    Longer-lasting batteries would reduce the total cost of EV ownership – and benefit the environment by getting more use out of each battery.

    How do we usually test battery degradation?

    Common battery chemistries such as lithium-ion will degrade over time. As lithium ions shuttle back and forth across the electrode, some will be diverted or trapped. As batteries age, they don’t hold as much charge.

    So how do you measure this?

    When you make an EV battery, you don’t want to spend 20 years testing its longevity before release. To test batteries more quickly, researchers have tended to estimate battery degradation rates by using a constant rate of battery discharge. Studies of EV battery degradation are normally done in a laboratory environment under controlled conditions.

    In the lab, researchers subject the battery to rapidly repeated charge-discharge cycles. Power is discharged at a constant rate. Observing the gradual drop in capacity gives us the degradation levels over time. This is how we get estimates such as “retains 80% capacity in ten years time”.

    But while this method is widely used, it has limitations. Discharging power at a constant rate is not how we really drive. We might accelerate fast to get onto the freeway, spend lots of time accelerating and braking in stop-start traffic, or do a quick run to several shops. Plus, much of the time the battery is not being used. Instead of a constant drain on the battery, it’s a mix.

    What the Stanford researchers have done is test EV batteries in realistic ways, imitating the way we actually drive. This is known as “dynamic cycle testing”.

    Mimicking real world use

    To replicate real-world usage and driving patterns, the Stanford team designed different discharge patterns for EV batteries, some based on real driving data. The researchers then tested 92 commercial lithium-ion batteries for more than two years across the different profiles.

    The results showed batteries tested using real life scenarios degraded substantially slower than expected and had higher battery expectancy than those tested under lab conditions. Even better, the more realistic the battery use, the slower the battery degraded.

    Battery researchers have long assumed rapid acceleration is bad for battery life. But this isn’t the case. Short acceleration and regenerative braking – where EVs charge their batteries during braking – were actually associated with slower battery degradation rates.

    Is this backed up in practice?

    A number of other recent studies have looked at how batteries perform in practice using data from EVs in operation, including commercial vehicles. These studies also found correlations between real-world use and lower battery degradation rates.

    A 2024 report by GEOTAB researchers used telematic remote monitoring to get data from 10,000 EVs. The study found improved battery technology is leading to slower degradation. Newer EVs lose about 1.8% of their health per year – a sharp drop compared to the 2.3% degradation rate in 2019.

    Several factors influenced battery longevity other than use patterns. One of these is worth noting – frequent use of DC fast chargers by high-use vehicles is linked to faster battery degradation. The effect is more notable in hot climates. By contrast, slower “level 2” charging is better for battery longevity. Overall, the researchers found the best way to prolong battery life was to keep charge between 20% and 80%, reduce exposure to extreme temperatures and limit fast charging.

    You can prolong battery life still further by avoiding overuse of DC fast chargers and extreme temperatures.
    Halfpoint/Shutterstock

    Another 2024 report analysed the batteries of 7,000 EVs used intensively over 3-5 years. The report found lower degradation rates than expected.

    This report found most batteries still had had good capacity (more than 80%) even after propelling vehicles more than 200,000 km. Factors such as use patterns, advances in cell chemistry and optimised battery management were also found to influence battery ageing.

    What does this mean for the EV transition?

    These results suggest EV owners may not need to replace expensive battery packs for several additional years. Over the lifetime of an EV, this means lower operating costs.

    The findings are also encouraging for fleet operators. Batteries in high-mileage commercial EVs should remain reliable even after heavy use.

    Car manufacturers and technology providers can benefit by updating their EV battery management software to take these findings into account. This would help to increase battery longevity under real-world conditions.

    Fewer battery replacements will mean fewer batteries to recycle. Once removed from the vehicle, EV batteries can be used to store energy for homes or businesses for years. These findings suggest a longer and more reliable second life for the batteries.

    In recent years, the electric vehicle transition has hit a couple of speedbumps. Cost-of-living pressures and uncertainty about charging have seen more Australians take up hybrids than pure electric vehicles.

    These findings may help reassure drivers interested in electric vehicles but unsure about battery lifespan.

    Hussein Dia receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

    – ref. Electric vehicle batteries can last almost 40% longer in the real world than in lab tests – https://theconversation.com/electric-vehicle-batteries-can-last-almost-40-longer-in-the-real-world-than-in-lab-tests-248557

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ofsted report cards are a superficial change – the inspectorate needs a culture shift

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Clapham, Associate Professor of Education Policy, Nottingham Trent University

    Ofsted, England’s education inspectorate, has released proposals for a new approach to inspecting schools and other education providers. The proposals are now under consultation, with parents, teachers, education professionals and learners invited to share their views.

    These proposals mark the latest changes to Ofsted after the public outcry following the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry in January 2023. The coroner’s report in December 2023 ruled that the Ofsted inspection had contributed to Perry’s suicide. But the proposals neglect key areas that we, having researched people’s experiences of Ofsted, believe should change. These include the behaviour of inspectors and the process of inspecting schools.

    Crucially, the proposal document emphasises the continuing importance and authority of Ofsted in raising achievement in the school system. And in a recent speech on the proposals, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “The improvements in inspection and accountability starting in the 90s have been instrumental for raising standards in our schools. With Ofsted’s role right at its heart. And to those who call for the abolition of a strong, independent, effective inspectorate, I have said before and I will say again: never.”

    Our current research work, analysing written submissions of experiences of Ofsted to the education select committee, has found a stark picture of the inherently unfair and unhealthy nature of Ofsted inspections and the toll they take on teachers.

    Ofsted’s chief inspector Martyn Oliver explains the proposed report cards.

    Anticipating an Ofsted inspection informs almost everything teachers do, and under these proposals, this will not change. If Ofsted’s position of power and authority over schools remains and these problems stay unaddressed, it will continue to cause risk and harm to those working in the state education sector in England.

    Report cards

    Central to the proposed changes is the introduction of report cards, which will replace a system which gave schools a headline judgement of “inadequate”, “requires improvement”, “good” or “outstanding”. Instead, a range of aspects of a school’s remit – including leadership and governance, achievement, inclusion, attendance and personal development and wellbeing – will each be assessed on a five-point scale.

    These range from “causing concern” (red on the report card) to “attention needed” (amber), “secure” (light green), “strong” (green) and “exemplary” (dark green).

    These grading scales will also focus on how schools support disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils, and there will be more emphasis on the local circumstances which schools operate in. Whether a school meets its safeguarding responsibilities will be assessed not on a scale but as either “met” or “not met”.

    Ofsted will also publish contextual data on the school. These data will include categories such as the number of children with special educational needs and disabilities, performance data, attendance and absence data along with socio-economic indicators for the area the school serves.

    But concerns are already being raised. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders’ union the NAHT, has argued that the new system will repeat the high stakes of the previous single-word judgements.

    Inspector behaviour and accountability

    There are two specific areas where we believe the new proposals have particularly failed. The first concerns inspectors’ conduct.

    Ofsted’s chief inspector Martyn Oliver has maintained that Ofsted needs to become more empathic and respectful, emphasising the moral and professional duty of inspectors.

    The consultation document states that “professional dialogue between inspectors and leaders will be a priority”. But the appalling behaviour that has been alleged of some inspectors is not acknowledged, and there is no indication as to how this culture of harm is being addressed.

    The second concerns the inspection process. There is no mention of Ofsted becoming more accountable. In her independent learning review for Ofsted, former chief inspector Dame Christine Gilbert recommended the institution of an improved complaints system for when a school believes an inspection outcome is unfair. But this is not mentioned in the proposals.

    Neither is there any consideration of sharing the evidence base – the information gathered by Ofsted inspectors during their visit to a school – on which an inspection judgement is made. Presumably this would be too time consuming, as suggested by Amanda Spielman, another previous chief inspector of Ofsted.

    It is perhaps unsurprising that Ruth Perry’s sister, Julia Waters, has commented that the risk of harm from Ofsted remains.

    We would therefore seek far more than a simple rebrand of the previous Ofsted model. Only a root and branch reform of the inspectorate would address the fundamental issues affecting teachers and schools.

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

    – ref. Ofsted report cards are a superficial change – the inspectorate needs a culture shift – https://theconversation.com/ofsted-report-cards-are-a-superficial-change-the-inspectorate-needs-a-culture-shift-249037

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The 30-plants-a-week challenge: you’ll still see gut health benefits even if you don’t meet this goal

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Aisling Pigott, Lecturer, Dietetics, Cardiff Metropolitan University

    Plant foods can have many benefits for our health. marilyn barbone/ Shutterstock

    The more plants you include in your diet, the more health benefits you’ll notice. This is why public health guidelines have long encouraged people to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

    But the 30-plants-a-week challenge circulating online suggests that, instead of only aiming to eat five servings a day, we should instead aim to eat 30 different plant foods per week to improve our health. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, herbs and spices would all count as a plant serving.

    Some advocates of the approach have even created some ground rules and have generated a points system that gives a point to each different type of plant you consume. However, not every plant counts as a full point. For instance, herbs and spices only count as one-quarter of a plant point. Refined plant products, such as fruit juices or processed wholegrains (such as white bread), don’t count at all.

    Current NHS dietary recommendations around fruits and vegetables (such as the five-a-day message) place the emphasis on quantity – ensuring people eat enough fruit, vegetables and wholegrains to get all the essential nutrients and fibre their body needs. But, the 30 plants approach shifts the focus to diversity – arguing that eating a wide variety of plant foods provides greater health benefits than eating the recommended amount of only a few select fruits and vegetables.

    So does eating 30 plants a week offer any additional health benefits over eating five servings a day?

    Exploring the science

    The 30 plants a week challenge is based on the American Gut Project – a citizen science study of 10,000 participants from across the US, UK and Australia. The findings suggest that people who eat a greater variety of plant-based foods each week have a more diverse gut microbiome compared to those who eat fewer plants. The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and microorganisms that live in our digestive tract.

    Research shows a more diverse microbiome is associated with a lower risk of chronic disease, better immune function and even improved mental health.

    So in simple terms, it looks like the more plant diversity we eat, the more diverse the population of microbes living in our gut are. This leads to better overall health.

    But does eating 30 plants really provide a greater number of benefits compared to current public health messages? These recommend we eat at least five portions of fruit and veg daily, choose wholegrain carbohydrates and limit refined sugar, processed meats and foods as much as possible.

    Incidentally, research shows that following these recommendations also leads to a more diverse gut microbiome and better health outcomes compared to those who do not meet recommendations.

    So, it looks like following either current public health recommendations or the 30 plants diet will improve microbial diversity and have benefits for health. While 30 is a meaningful and realistic target, it’s important to recognise that small, sustainable changes can also have a lasting health impact.

    Diet changes

    Like any trend, the 30 plants message isn’t without its drawbacks. One major concern is accessibility. Buying 30 different plant foods each week can be expensive – which could exacerbate existing health inequalities.

    The 30-plants-a-week challenge has benefits and limitations.
    Kulkova Daria/ Shutterstock

    There are ways around these limitations, such as buying in bulk and freezing portions, using canned and frozen fruits, veggies, pulses and lentils and meal planning to reduce food waste.

    However, these solutions often require extra resources such as storage, cooking space and time – which may not be possible for everyone.

    There’s also a risk that the message could oversimplify the complexity of public health guidance – potentially overlooking the importance of individual nutrients and overall dietary balance.

    On the other hand, there’s a strong argument that the 30 plants per week challenge is simply the same, old public health advice packaged in a slightly different, more engaging way. As a dietitian, I quite like that.

    Current public health messages around food, nutrition and lifestyle are not landing. Despite the evidence for these guidelines, rates of lifestyle-related health problems are increasing. It’s not that these recommendations don’t work – it’s that as a population we struggle to follow them.

    The 30-plants-a-week challenge is a positive message that encourages adding more variety – rather than restricting foods. If people are encouraged to eat more plant-based foods, they may naturally displace less nutritious choices – which is a win for health.

    If you’re thinking of trying the 30-plants-a-week challenge, here are some easy ways to increase variety in your diet:

    1. Swap your carbs: Swap white bread, rice or pasta for wholegrain bread, rice or pasta. You can also consider alternative wholegrain carbohydrates such as quinoa or wholegrain couscous.
    2. Include nuts and seeds: Easily overlooked, but an effortless way to add diversity. A small handful is a portion.
    3. Add pulses and lentils: Add lentils to a meat dish (such as spaghetti bolognese) for extra protein and more plant points.
    4. Buy tinned and frozen foods: Stock up on frozen berries, mixed vegetables, canned beans and chickpeas to make plant variety easier to achieve and more affordable.

    The challenge to eat 30 different plants is an exciting and positive way to potentially encourage nutritious choices. However, we don’t yet fully understand its acceptability or impact on food choices in real-world settings. While the scientific evidence strongly supports the benefits of plant diversity for health, it would be valuable to gather more research on its practical effectiveness before incorporating it into public health messaging.

    Aisling Pigott receives a research award from RCBC Wales/Health Care Research Wales
    Aisling Pigott is a non-executive director for the British Dietetic Association

    – ref. The 30-plants-a-week challenge: you’ll still see gut health benefits even if you don’t meet this goal – https://theconversation.com/the-30-plants-a-week-challenge-youll-still-see-gut-health-benefits-even-if-you-dont-meet-this-goal-248491

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How AI imagery could be used to develop fake archaeology

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Colleen Morgan, Senior Lecturer in Digital Archaeology and Heritage, University of York

    Generative AI is often seen as the epitome of our times, and sometimes even as futuristic. We can use it to invent new art or technology, analyse emerging data, or simulate people, places and things. But interestingly, it is also having an impact on how we view the past.

    AI imagery has already been used to illustrate popular articles, such as covering scientific discoveries about Neanderthals. It was employed to animate the Mesolithic period (from about 9,000 to 4,300 years ago) in a museum. TikTok users have adopted it to make realistic short videos about archaeology and history. It’s even been used in a TV documentary about Stonehenge.

    Yet there are many issues with using AI imagery in archaeology – some of which are also found more broadly within generative AI use. These include its environmental impact and the violation of intellectual property (using training data created by humans).

    But others are more specific to archaeology. As an academic who has worked extensively on “resurrecting” the past through digital technology, generative AI has both fascinating potential and enormous risk for archaeological misrepresentation.

    Even before the use of AI, it was widely accepted within archaeology that visualisations of the past are highly fraught and should be treated with extreme caution. For example, archaeologist Stephanie Moser examined 550 reconstructions published in academic and popular texts on human evolution. Her review found highly biased depictions, such as only males hunting, making art and tools and performing rituals, while women were in more passive roles.

    A similar study by Diane Gifford-Gonzalez revealed that “not one of 231 depictions of prehistoric males shows a man touching a child, woman, or an older person of either sex … no child is ever shown doing useful work.” These reconstructions do not reflect scientists’ nuanced understanding of the past. We know humans organised themselves in an incredible array of variety, with a multitude of gender roles and self-expression.

    A recent DNA-based study, for example, showed that women were actually at the centre of societies in the iron age.

    The stakes of representation in archaeology are high. For example, the hotly-debated, dark-skinned reconstruction of “Cheddar Man”, originally found in south-west England, was based on ancient DNA analysis. It made headlines for disrupting the perception that all human ancestors in the north were light-skinned.

    Reconstructed head of the Cheddar Man based on the shape of his skull and DNA analysis, shown at the Natural History Museum in London.
    wikipedia, CC BY-SA

    This and similar controversies reveal the iconic power of reconstructions, their political implications, and their ability to shape our understanding of the past.

    While the Cheddar Man reconstruction demonstrates that research is iterative, such reconstructions are sticky. They have profound visual legacies and are not easily supplanted when new data becomes available.

    This is exacerbated as they are incorporated into generative AI data sets.
    Beyond the use of outmoded data, generative AI visualisations of the past can be extremely poor.

    Even when more plausible details are included, they can be seamlessly integrated with other highly inaccurate elements. For example, it is impossible for viewers to disentangle the data-led from the so-called hallucinations (mistakes) produced by AI.

    Highlighting uncertainty is of central importance and concern among archaeologists. Archaeological illustrator Simon James noted that reconstruction artists have used strategically placed clouds of smoke to obscure unknown elements.

    As a digital archaeologist, I have made virtual reconstructions of many different sites and subjects. I know there is often estimation and guesswork involved in making holistic representations.

    Indeed, photo-realistic accuracy is not always the paramount consideration in visualisation – particularly when exploring different hypotheses or addressing young audiences. But knowing what is backed by archaeological data and what is more speculative is key for authentic visual communication.

    Pseudoarchaeology

    This is particularly important at a time when pseudoarchaeology is increasingly prevalent in popular media, such as the Ancient Apocalypse show on Netflix. The celebrity host and author Graham Hancock asserts there was a lost ice age civilisation of Atlantis, with advanced technology. But this claim has been thoroughly repudiated by archaeologists.

    Arguably, hoaxes will be much easier to perpetuate using generative AI.
    Beyond the high potential for misinformation about archaeology, the use of generative AI for archaeological visualisations can actually be harmful for archaeological knowledge production.

    My research has shown that crafting reconstructions and illustrations in archaeology is incredibly important for understanding and interpreting the past. Creating visualisations based on science – and indeed soundscapes, smellscapes and other interpretations based on multiple senses – is very helpful for generating new questions.

    Drawing allows archaeologists to create more detailed mental models and therefore a better understanding of archaeological remains. By delegating this creation to AI, archaeologists lose a powerful tool for knowledge generation. Moreover, my collaborative work with artists has demonstrated the intriguing possibilities that creative approaches open up to tell new stories about the past.

    Even with all of these problems, I encourage an engaged, critical, applied approach to understanding the impact of digital technologies on our investigation of the past. And this includes exploring the uses of generative AI for archaeological visualisation.

    Archaeologists and non-specialists are able to leverage generative AI to creatively produce interpretive media. Indeed, some archaeologists are already exploring AI to generate hypotheses about ancient life. And we are teaching critical uses of AI to our archaeology students.

    But what remains imperative is that archaeologists engage with and critique all visualisations – both those created by generative AI and using other media.

    Colleen Morgan 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. How AI imagery could be used to develop fake archaeology – https://theconversation.com/how-ai-imagery-could-be-used-to-develop-fake-archaeology-247838

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir Chris Bryant speech at TMT World Congress 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, gave a speech at TMT World Congress 2025 on 30 January 2025.

    Without vision, the people perish. Without a plan, the vision perishes. And without investment, financial, social and personal, the plan perishes.

    So let me start with a vision of a nation:

    A government that has economic growth as a constant obsession permeating everything it does.

    An economy that enjoys some of the strongest inward investment in Europe.

    A country with fierce ambitions: connectivity for all; inclusion wherever you live; science and innovation unshackled; AI unleashing greater productivity across the economy and public services.

    There’s no route to growth without digital infrastructure.

    The fibres, the subsea cables, the telegraph poles, the ducts, the data centres, the satellite connections, they are the central nervous system of a modern economy.

    • Without reliable ultrafast or gigabit capable broadband, businesses will be stuck on calls repeating ‘can you hear me now?’ into the void.
    • Without 5G standalone, public services will lag behind.
    • Without enough data centres, AI will run out of juice.

    We’ve come a long way in investing in our digital infrastructure in the UK, thanks to the efforts of many of you in this room.

    I’m here to tell you about how the government will help you seize the investment opportunities around the corner.

    Looking back, we’ve already come a long way.

    • More than 85% of homes and businesses in the UK can now access gigabit-capable broadband. It was just 10% in 2019.
    • Telcos are investing £40 billion to hit 100% by 2030.
    • And earlier this month, we signed four new Project Gigabit contracts with Openreach to get gigabit-capable broadband to over 130,000 new homes.

    Likewise on mobile connectivity:

    • According to Ofcom, 5G is now available outside of 95% of homes and businesses across the country.
    • Customers across the UK are feeling the benefits of standalone 5G, thanks to Vodafone, VMO2 and BT/EE – we want that everywhere by 2030.

    On data centres:

    • We have just over 500, putting us third globally.
    • And in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, we committed to upping public computing power twentyfold by 2030.

    But I don’t only measure growth in terawatt-hours of computing power, or billions of pounds.

    I measure it in individual lives changed by connection.

    Connectivity can deliver the world-class public services British people deserve:

    • Standalone 5G in hospitals could transmit high-res scans to diagnose disease faster
    • Or stream bodycam videos from police on the street to back-up waiting at HQ.

    If the digital revolution is to deliver a fairer, more prosperous future for Britain, we’ve also got to make sure everyone in the UK sees the benefit. 5% of homes still aren’t connected to the internet and the figure for poorer homes is even worse – 19%.

    I’m grateful for the work the sector has done on digital inclusion, including social tariffs.

    But we have to do better than that:

    a) because every household lost to the digital economy loses out on phenomenal opportunities and
    b) because they are also lost as workers, as citizens and as customers.

    So: huge amounts of progress on connecting us all to growth.

    But we’ve got much further to go.

    To make our vision a reality, we need investment.

    Today, the UK is Europe’s number one destination for new investment in projects and new jobs.

    The International Investment Summit in October broke records, creating 38,000 new jobs and bringing £63 billion into the UK – with much of that pouring into tech and data centres.

    And another £14 billion was secured when we launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan. But that’s just the start.

    Our ambition is to make Britain the best place to invest in the world.

    Here’s how:

    1. Partnering with you for growth.

    Within days of taking office, we set up the National Wealth Fund to the tune of £27.8 billion.

    It shows how serious we are about partnering with private capital to invest in the jobs, industries and infrastructure of the future.

    Six months in, that’s unlocked £1.6 billion – including supporting faster broadband connections for thousands of businesses and homes in Cornwall, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cumbria.

    2. Making sure regulation and planning don’t tie us all in knots.

    The PM and Chancellor have both been clear about the need for pro-growth regulation across the economy, as an essential part of our growth mission.

    We’ll give you the stable regulatory framework that gives investors confidence.

    And more planning reform to help you build equipment quickly and cost-effectively – including the last telecoms provisions from the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act.

    3. Backing competition:

    Competition is the only way to drive innovation and growth, and a better experience for customers.

    The Vodafone and Three merger is a great example, with a £11 billion investment commitment for standalone 5G, bringing better connections to 99% of the population.

    Underpinning all of this is a determination to tear down the barriers to growth.

    If you want to create wealth and jobs for British people, we will not stand in your way.

    This is a vision of a country that’s as ambitious about investment as it is about connecting people.

    You can’t do one without the other.

    I can almost hear the whisper of deals in the air today.

    So here’s one more for you to think about over coffee:

    Help us make the things digital infrastructure connects us to – family, friends, a job offer, a business deal, growth – available to all.

    In return, we’ll make this the best place in the world for you to invest to make that happen.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister for EU Relations – Article on UK-EU Reset

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Opinion-editorial authored by Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for European Union Relations. This was originally published in The Telegraph on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

    Like many people, I remember the night of the Brexit referendum vividly. I was in my constituency of Torfaen: my home, where I grew up and where I have always lived. The majority of people in my constituency, and across the UK, voted to leave the EU.

    I believe my constituents – like millions across the country – voted to leave because they wanted a change that would improve their lives. They hoped Brexit would mean better public services, more jobs, less migration, more security.

    What they got instead was years of chaos and a botched deal. [Redacted political content].

    People deserve better. They want the Government to respect their vote on Brexit – which we do – and they’re also pragmatic. This Government was elected to reset relations with the EU to help boost growth, improve the cost of living crisis and make our borders more secure. People, rightly, demand delivery.

    My role as the UK minister for European Union relations is to take expectations and make them a reality.

    What does that mean? For this Government, our reset with the EU means the UK being safer, more secure and increasingly prosperous. It does not mean hitting rewind. We are not undoing Brexit. There is no opacity over the outcome of the referendum in 2016. Yet, five years on, we can see some of the negative impacts of the current deal emerging here at home, as well as in Europe.

    Trade is a clear example. Despite the EU being our largest trading partner, with trade in 2023 worth over £800 billion, we are trading less. Between 2021 and 2023, exports to the EU were down 27 per cent and imported goods down 32 per cent.

    The problems are not just economic. Our borders are less secure. The asylum system has been pushed into crisis, with backlogs reaching record levels and costs hitting £5.4 billion in the last financial year, up over a billion pounds on the year before.

    We are not cooperating closely enough with the EU on law enforcement to smash the gangs behind the small boats. To make people safer, we must do all we can to strengthen our collective ability to tackle organised crime and work together on illegal migration.

    The Brexit deal did not address issues around security and defence cooperation, more vital than ever after Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. To keep the UK secure, we need to work with allies such as Ukraine and European partners, with NATO as our bedrock. The Prime Minister met with all 27 EU leaders and the secretary-general of NATO for this very reason: to discuss common threats and the value that closer EU-UK co-operation on defence could bring.

    To raise living standards, we need to build export and investment opportunities, reducing barriers to trade. This is of mutual benefit: the chancellor and the president of the European Commission are both pressing the need for cooperation to drive innovation, boost growth and reduce consumer costs.

    This is not about a choice between our allies. Some people make the false argument that we need to choose either America or Europe. For this Government, the UK’s national interest is paramount and demands we work with both.

    We will do so with a ruthless pragmatism, leaving ideologically driven division in the past in search of mutually beneficial areas of interest for both sides, within our red lines of no return to the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement.

    The Prime Minister and I will look at issues in a hard-headed way, guided by what works for the people and businesses of the UK. It’s as simple as that.

    The UK standing tall on the international stage, delivering for people by working with one of our key partners, matters. This is making Brexit work for my constituency and for the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: European Union and UK hold second Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in London

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The second EU-UK Counter-Terrorism Dialogue took place in London on 4 February 2025, strengthening the UK and EU’s strategic cooperation on counter-terrorism.

    On 4 February 2025, the second EU-UK Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, established by the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), took place in London.  

    The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) discussed a wide range of counter-terrorism issues, including assessments of the evolving terrorist threat landscape, and an exchange of best practice on the UK and EU response, in order to protect our citizens. This included continued cooperation through multilateral fora and with other third countries. 

    The UK and EU also discussed strategic approaches to countering terrorism and a range of topics related to the identification of travellers of Counter-Terrorism concern, and technology, including responses to terrorist content online and emerging technologies. 

    The UK and EU jointly welcomed the productive discussions and agreed to continue these important exchanges. Both sides underlined the strategic importance of the unique relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom in addressing these challenges.

    They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to continue to strengthen cooperation on Counter-Terrorism, in line with our shared values and the agreement between the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. 

    The UK delegation was chaired by Chloe Squires, Director General for Homeland Security and Jonathan Emmett, Director of Counter-Terrorism & Homeland Security Strategy in the Home Office, who were accompanied by officials from the Home Office, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

    On the EU side, the Dialogue was chaired by Maciej Stadejek, Deputy Managing Director for Security and Defence Policy, of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Representatives from the European Commission, including the Director Internal Security from the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs, Floriana Sipala, and the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Bartjan Wegter, also joined. The delegation included a representative from the Polish Presidency on behalf of EU Member States.

    The next Counter-Terrorism Dialogue will be held in Brussels.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Failure to prevent fraud’ offence regulatory alert

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Charity Commission alert sent to charities that could be subject to upcoming changes in the law around preventing fraud.

    You are receiving this alert as your charity could be subject to upcoming changes in the law around preventing fraud.

    On 1 September 2025 a new failure to prevent fraud offence comes into force.

    This offence will affect large, incorporated charities that meet at least two of the following criteria: more than 250 employees, £36m of income or £18m in total assets.  

    Under the offence, an organisation may be criminally liable where an employee, agent, subsidiary, or other “associated person”, commits a fraud intending to benefit the organisation (or its clients) and the organisation did not have reasonable fraud prevention procedures in place.

    It does not need to be demonstrated that directors or senior managers ordered or knew about the fraud.

    The Charity Commission is alerting all relevant charities to read the Home Office guidance, and where necessary to enhance their approach to fraud prevention and seek professional legal advice.

    Additional information:

    If your charity has not already done so, you should read our guidance about internal financial controls, which was refreshed in April 2023. It gives advice on protecting your charity and its assets. A new short guide on protecting your charity from fraud was published in November 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Protecting Scotland’s Nature

    Source: Scottish Greens

    Promoted by Pete Morrison on behalf of the Scottish Green Party, both at 19b Graham Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5QN.

    All content is © 2024 Scottish Green Party, and may be quoted if attributed to the Party. Data is held in accordance with our Privacy Policy

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Weevil used to control floating pennywort in the Cam Washes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    An innovative biocontrol project has been launched aiming to reduce the spread of floating pennywort in the Cam Washes, SSSI.

    Weevil (Listronotus elongatus)

    Led by CABI (www.cabi.org), a not-for-profit inter-governmental organisation specialising in natural solutions for invasive non-native plants, the project is funded by the Environment Agency, working in partnership with CABI scientists.

    Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides), an invasive aquatic weed plant native to South America, has become a major threat to the UK’s waterbodies. It is known for its rapid growth and ability to spread up to 20cm a day, forming dense mats that disrupt ecosystems, causing deoxygenation, blocking flood defences, impacting recreational activities, and contributing to flood risk issues.

    The cost of controlling floating pennywort, together with the impact on tourism and recreation is estimated to exceed £25 million annually in the UK. To address this growing problem and reduce the spread of the plant, a South American weevil Listronotus elongatus, was approved for release in the UK in 2021 after a decade of safety testing; this is the fourth weed biological control solution approved for release in the UK.

    Unlike traditional control methods such as manual or mechanical removal and herbicide applications, which are costly, labour-intensive, and often ineffective, the biocontrol with the weevil presents a long-term, self-sustaining solution. The weevil has evolved to only feed and develop on floating pennywort, reducing biosecurity issues that can arise from disturbance.

    The trial involved the release of weevils on the Cam Washes SSSI. This site was chosen for the weevil release due to the difficulties of controlling floating pennywort using traditional methods and the need to manage the reinfestation of the River Cam.

    Prior to the release, the extent of floating pennywort spread was captured using drone footage. It is hoped that continued drone monitoring will help to show how effective these weevils could be as a cost-effective solution to managing this invasive species.

    Djami Djeddour, Senior CABI project lead said: “We are thrilled to be able to work in partnership with the Environment Agency to help tackle floating pennywort in the Cam Washes. Biological control of non-native, invasive aquatic weeds using specialist insects has proved highly effective globally, and we are hopeful that these released weevils (beetles) will be the plant’s Achilles’ heel. Once the weevil populations are successfully established, they will play an important role in the sustainable control of floating pennywort, reducing its impact on native habitats and enhancing their biological diversity and function”.  

    Pippa Keynes, Environment Agency project lead, said “We are very happy to partner with CABI in this important project. Following on from extensive Floating Pennywort control work that has been carried out on the Bedford Ouse, we are keen to explore different ways of controlling this invasive plant which can cause havoc on our waterways.”

    For East Anglia press office please contact (24 hours): 0800 917 9250

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

    Follow us on Twitter @EnvAgencyAnglia

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Man prosecuted for running illegal waste site near Milton Keynes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Waste including asbestos was burned next to a housing estate and ancient woodland

    Burning waste found at the illegal waste site

    A man has been fined for operating an illegal waste site near Milton Keynes, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.

    Mark Greenhalgh, age 64 of Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, pleaded guilty to two waste crime charges at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on 31st January. He has been ordered to pay fines, victim surcharges and prosecution costs totalling £20,864.

    From 2018 to 2023, Environment Agency officers investigated the site in Woburn Sands which Mr Greenhalgh operated without an environmental permit. Despite repeated visits, he ignored the Environment Agency’s guidance and failed to comply with a notice requiring him to clear the waste from the land. Officers found an increased amount of waste on site with each visit.

    Drone image showing part of the illegal waste site

    Waste was burned repeatedly including asbestos, plastic, metals, wood, soft furnishings, vehicles, domestic appliances and commercial refrigeration units. Scrap vehicles were also stored and broken on site.

    The waste site is surrounded by a housing estate and ancient woodland. The activities of the illegal operation put the neighbouring residents and nature at huge risk of harm.

    All types of waste were stored improperly, creating even more fire risk. The local fire and rescue service were called to the site numerous times throughout the years, and in August 2022 there was a significant fire on site. The fire service had to close a road and deploy multiple pumps, using an estimated 800,000 litres of water.

    Louis de Quincey, East Anglia Environmental Crime Officer, said:

    Waste criminals make their profits by breaking the law and not paying tax. Illegal waste sites such as the one operated by Mr Greenhalgh undermine legitimate businesses which carry out their activities with consideration for the environment. 

    The Environment Agency works to stop waste criminals and support legitimate business whilst protecting communities and nature from harm. We take illegal waste activity very seriously and will not hesitate to disrupt criminal activity and prosecute those responsible.

    Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity should report it to our 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

    Background information

    Charges:

    1. Mark Greenhalgh, between 13 September 2018 and 10 July 2023, did deposit controlled waste on land at the north side of Bow Brickhill Road, Woburn Sands, registered under title number BM146933, when there was not in force an environmental permit authorising such a deposit.

    2. Mark Greenhalgh, between 13 September 2018 and 10 July 2023, did knowingly cause or knowingly permit the deposit of controlled waste on land at the north side of Bow Brickhill Road, Woburn Sands, registered under title number BM146933, when there was not in force an environmental permit authorising such a deposit.

    Sentence:

    Mark Greenhalgh was ordered to pay a total of £20,864.23 within 12 months, after which the debt will be enforced. This total consists of:

    • Fines: £720 (£360 fine for each charge)
    • Victim surcharges: £288 (£144 for each charge)
    • Prosecution costs: £19,856.23

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK’s Department of Business and Trade assists British companies in Guatemala’s Infrastructure Trade Mission

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    On February 4-5, the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) organized an Infrastructure Trade Mission aimed at increasing UK’s private sector participation in Guatemalan projects.

    Seven UK infrastructure companies are participating in this two-day event which will allow them to meet with government, municipal and private sector representatives; with a focus on multiple areas, which are critical to improving Guatemala’s infrastructure delivery and sustainable development. 

    The visit aims to better understand the Guatemalan authorities’ plans for infrastructure projects delivery at national and municipal levels, including mobility, water sanitation, hospitals and private sector led construction. It also seeks to create business opportunities between local and the UK companies participating, these are: 

    1. Andrade Gutierrez (engineering and construction) 
    2. Arup (design, planning and engineering) 
    3. Biwater (water treatment and solutions) 
    4. Gleeds (construction consultancy) 
    5. JCB (construction machinery) 
    6. QGMI UK (engineering) 
    7. Steer (infrastructure consultancy) 

    Whilst in Guatemala, the delegation wants to explore opportunities presented by the country’s plans to improve its critical infrastructure, including updated legislation, the use of Private Public Partnerships and the desire to continue building the UK-Guatemala economic relationship. This highlights the British government’s commitment to opening new overseas markets for UK firms, driving up prosperity and deliver national renewal.   

    The UK is committed to supporting viable green enterprises which help to promote green recoveries in urban transport, renewable energy and water and sanitation to help countries across the world pursue green and sustainable growth and economic development. 

    To mark the visit, the British Ambassador to Guatemala, Juliana Correa, said: 

    I am delighted to welcome the visit of some of the leading UK infrastructure companies that will explore the great potential of Guatemala. President Arevalo has put infrastructure delivery as a priority for his administration, and the UK is a global leader in this sector. This is a great opportunity to provide a platform to develop key partnerships that are useful to create cities that lead economic and social development.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council takes steps towards a firm financial footing

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council will take the next step towards putting its finances on a firm footing when two reports go to Cabinet next week.

    Budget proposals for 2025/26 have been refreshed since they went to public consultation, with money being put back into services and more going back into reserves. This is due to an additional £8.6 million of resources, over and above that which was assumed at the time of the budget report being issued for consultation following the Government’s finance settlement.

    The Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which will go to Cabinet on Wednesday 12 February, also sets out a plan to replenish the Council’s reserves over the next three years to bring them back to a healthy and sustainable level.

    Nationally, the local government financial settlement put more money into social care, introduced a new recovery grant which favoured areas like Derby with high deprivation and a low Council Tax base, and gave a boost to areas in need of investment such as support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The new Government has also said it’s committed to multi-year funding settlements but has not yet confirmed when this will happen.

    For Derby City Council, this has meant an increase in core spending power by £22.6 million, which is an above average increase for the local government sector, along with continued investment into social care, a new prevention grant of £2 million to support children’s social care reform, and the recovery grant which resulted in £6.7 million for the city. 
     
    Some of the new things that have been added to the budget proposals as a result include:

    • Additional provision for areas where demand continues to grow, such as homelessness
    • Investment into SEND services, including two SEND officers
    • £250,000 for Cultural Recovery, to support partners in the cultural industries facing significant financial challenges
    • And additional £200,000 for the Council Tax hardship fund, to support households experiencing financial hardship
    • An extra £100,000 to support the Market Hall in its first year of re-opening
    • A neighbourhood manager, covering the city centre, to co-ordinate safety, vibrancy & partnership work.
    • Investment into waste minimisation  
    • Additional capital investment for a new depot at Stores Road.

    Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said:

    “After years of lobbying, the new Government is listening to councils and promising much-needed reform. We welcome the additional funding, which help us get on a stable footing for the future so we can continue to provide the services that our citizens need and want.

    “While it is assumed in our funding settlement that Council Tax will increase in line with previous years, which is 4.99%, we’re committed to investing into services that matter the most to our residents, protecting the most vulnerable and putting the Council on the way to financial sustainability.

    “We’re listening to the public about what they want in their city, and our proposed budget for 2025/2026 will prioritise tidier streets and green spaces, help our city centre feel safer and become more vibrant, and support children and adults who need our care.”  

    An update on the Council’s position at the end of Quarter 3 also goes to Cabinet on 12 February.

    The pressure on the revenue budget is now at £6.37 million, a fall of £2.59 million since halfway through the financial year. Mitigation continues to reduce this figure even more by the end of March, to limit the use of reserves as much as possible.

    All the savings identified for 2024/25 financial year are expected to be achieved by the end of financial year, leaving £117,000 of unachieved savings from the previous year to be carried over to next year. 

    Pressures remain in some services, such as homelessness, due to continued demand. People’s services, the Council department which looks after social care for adults and children, has a forecast overspend of £5.31m by the end of the year. However this is partly offset by an underspend by an underspend of £3.41 million in children’s services, which is due to the success of strategies developed in recent years to manage demand starting to see results.  
     

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Construction starts on new solar array at Weeton Barracks

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Construction is starting on a new solar array at Weeton Barracks in Lancashire that will generate over one third of the site’s energy needs.

    Maj Peter Reid, 1 LANCS Quartermaster, Lt Col Ed Brooks from the army’s basing and infrastructure team, and Cpl Adam Meekle at the groundbreaking. (Crown Copyright)

    The work has been funded under the British Army’s Project Prometheus, a scheme that is increasing renewable energy across the army estate through installation of solar arrays on suitable military sites. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracted the work to Mitie & Custom Solar on behalf of the army. 

    The 1,638 panels will cover an area of approximately 3,600 m2 of land, which had previously been used for hangars until they were demolished a number of years ago. Once complete later this year, the array will generate 648 Mwh per year of environmentally-friendly energy. This is anticipated to provide 35% of the site’s energy needs, saving energy costs for the taxpayer and reducing the proportion of energy used at Weeton Barracks generated by fossil fuels.   

    Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Walkworth RE, Assistant Head of the Army’s Sustainability, Efficiency and Exploitation team, said: 

    We are delighted to see work getting underway to deliver a new solar installation at Weeton Barracks.  

    By increasing the supply and availability of renewable energy on army sites, we are building a more sustainable estate that will enhance our energy resilience and support operational capability, while protect the environments where our people live, work and train.

    Maj Peter Reid, 1 LANCS Quartermaster, said: 

    It is excellent to see the significant investment in renewable energy here at Weeton Barracks, which will reduce our impact on the environment through on-site electricity generation. The new solar farm will also bring additional benefits to the site by protecting and enhancing the local wildlife and providing us with a platform for local engagement and learning.

    Katie Owen, DIO’s Project Manager, said:

    This is the first ground-mounted array to be started under the second phase of Project Prometheus and follows from the success of the first phase of the work. Once complete, a significant proportion of Weeton Barracks energy needs will be met by electricity generated on site.

    Gary Sucharewycz, Sales Director for Solar and Storage, Custom Solar, part of Mitie, said:

    We’re proud to be supporting the Defence Infrastructure Organisation on this major step on its path to decarbonising the British Army’s estate. Strengthening our existing partnership with the DIO, we look forward to bringing our expertise in large-scale solar infrastructure on this latest project towards developing more high-performing places for military personnel to live and work.

    The site surrounding the solar array will also be planted with a variety of plants including grasses, shrubs and bushes in an effort to improve the biodiversity and available habitats. 

    The army’s first solar farm opened at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield in 2021 under the first phase of Project Prometheus. A further 3 arrays have since been delivered at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island, Rock Barracks in Suffolk and Duke of Gloucester Barracks. 

    Under the second phase of the project, over 1200 roof-mounted solar panels have already been fitted to buildings at army garrisons across Salisbury Plain Training Area. In addition, solar arrays are being considered for other military sites as well as Weeton Barracks in the coming years. The potential locations include Kinloss Barracks and Glencorse Barracks in Scotland, Bassingbourn Barracks in Cambridgeshire, the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester, Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire and the Army Air Corps Centre in Hampshire.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fun times ahead as revamped play areas open

    Source: City of Canterbury

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New UK Permanent Representative to NATO appointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Angus Lapsley CMG has been appointed UK Permanent Representative to NATO in succession to Sir David Quarrey KCMG. He will take up his appointment in April 2025.

    Mr Angus Lapsley CMG has been appointed as the UK’s next Permanent Representative to NATO.

    The NATO Alliance is made up of 32 countries in Europe and North America and keeps 1 billion people safe. It is the cornerstone of transatlantic security and key to underpinning prosperity at home and abroad.

    Mr Lapsley has more than 30 years of experience in the Civil Service, with relevant expertise from a variety of previous roles – including most recently as NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning.

    He is also a member of the Strategic Defence Review Team, advising the UK government as part of the root and branch review of UK defence and making sure Britain is secure for decades to come. Mr Lapsley will remain on the review team until the review is complete.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Council inviting applications for Change Fund (Tier three)

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Council inviting applications for Change Fund (Tier three)

    4 February 2025

    In September 2024, the Northern Ireland Executive, led by the Executive Office (TEO) launched the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategic Framework 2024-2031. The Strategic Framework has been co-designed with people and organisations from right across government and society, representing different backgrounds and perspectives, including those with lived experiences.

    The Change Fund is a fundamental part of delivering the EVAWG Strategic Framework and also focuses on the Prevention Outcomes;

    • Challenging attitudes, behaviours and culture
    • Education on healthy and respectful relationships and
    • Ensuring Women and Girls feel safe and are safe everywhere

    It’s part of a wider £3.2m investment for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Local Change Fund announced by the First Minister and deputy First Minister last month in which £2m has been made available across the 11 Councils in Northern Ireland, of which £165k has been allocated to Derry and Strabane.

    Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced that its Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Change Fund 2025-26 (Tier three) is now open for applications.

    As part of the allocation to Derry City and Strabane District Council £50,000 has been allocated to Tier three Change Fund Grants Grant between £15,001 and up to £25,000 to support significant programme of activity which include collaboration with and/or mentoring/ support to other community-based organisations.

    Derry City and Strabane District Council is inviting applications from not-for-profit community and voluntary organisations across the Council area who can deliver significant programmes of activity aimed at ending violence against women and girls.

    Applications will be open at 10:00am on Monday 3rd February 2025 and close at 3:00pm on Friday 21st February 2025

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said the funding is vital to support Community & Voluntary organisations working at grassroots level to play their part in helping to end the epidemic of violence against women and girls.

    “I am very pleased that the Local Change Fund grant aid provided by The Executive Office will provide funding to our local community organisations to play a proactive role in educating communities and promoting safe and healthy relationships and environments for women and children to feel safe.”

    For more information on the fund and to apply for the grant visit – https://www.dcsdcgrantaid.com/

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IXCHIQ vaccine approved to protect adults against Chikungunya

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 4 February 2025, approved the vaccine chikungunya vaccine (live) (brand name IXCHIQ) to protect adults against chikungunya disease, caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV).

    CHIKV is found in the subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and the Pacific Region, and is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). It cannot be passed from human to human.  

    The majority of people infected with CHIKV develop a sudden fever and severe pain in multiple joints. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. These symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 10 days, and most patients make a full recovery. However, in some cases joint pain and arthritis may persist for several months or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.  

    Chikungunya vaccine has been approved for use as a prophylaxis against chikungunya disease. The vaccine contains a form of the virus that has been weakened in the laboratory so it cannot multiply. The vaccine works by training the immune system (the body’s natural defences) to recognise CHIKV and it is then able to produce specific antibodies which attack the virus. 

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Patient safety is our top priority, which is why I am pleased to confirm approval of the first vaccine in the UK to protect adults 18 years and older against Chikungunya disease.  It is given as a single dose. 

    While mostly endemic to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas, the virus has been detected in small numbers in new geographical areas including parts of Europe. It is therefore important we are prepared for potential further spread.  

    This approval is another demonstration of our commitment to supporting the UK in its efforts toward global pandemic preparedness.  

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.

    The recommended dose of chikungunya vaccine (live) can only be obtained via a prescription. 
     
    The benefits of chikungunya vaccine (live) were assessed in two main studies involving around 4,500 adults. In one main study, over 4,000 people were given the vaccine or a placebo (a dummy treatment).

    The aim of the study was to determine whether the vaccine would trigger the immune system to produce a level of antibodies that, based on pre-clinical studies and information from people previously exposed to the virus who had developed immunity, is expected to provide protection.

    Results showed that 99% of participants who received chikungunya vaccine (live) had the required level of antibodies after one month, compared with none of those who received placebo. Follow-up data showed that two years after vaccination, this target level was maintained in 97% of people who received the vaccine.  

    During clinical studies, the most common side effects with   chikungunya vaccine (live) (which may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include leucopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia (low levels of white blood cells, including neutrophils and lymphocytes, as seen in blood tests), headache, fatigue, myalgia (muscle pain),  joint pain (arthralgia), elevated liver enzymes as seen in blood tests, fever, nausea (feeling sick), and tenderness, pain, erythema (redness), induration (hardening) or swelling at the site of injection.

    As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine under close review.   

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this vaccine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.    

     ENDS    

    Notes to editors    

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted on 4 February 2025 to VALNEVA AUSTRIA GMBH

    • The vaccine has been approved by the MHRA under the International Recognition Procedure, after confirming it meets the UK regulator’s standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. 

    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.  

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.  

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.  

    For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

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