NewzIntel.com

Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foundation works start for new look Bilston Outdoor Market

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Following the traders’ temporary relocation, the site has undergone comprehensive surveys, asbestos remediation, mine investigation and grouting, and demolition of the existing market stalls and public toilet block.

    Midlands based contractor, Speller Metcalfe, has this week started works to create the slab foundation for the new £5.2 million market – funded by UK Government.

    The redevelopment scheme is also part of the Bilston Health & Regeneration Programme (HaRP), with investment set to maximise the visibility of the market and improve the pedestrian access from the neighbouring bus/metro station.

    Some of the existing structures have been demolished to make way for a new facility to suit current and future requirements, while reconfiguring the existing uses and enhancing the entrance’s focal points to the indoor market. There will also be a flexible multi use events/market space created.

    Other improvements will include a full package of new signage, a complete renewal of all trader car parks and provision of a new taxi drop off adjacent to the existing bus/metro interchange, improved landscaping of public spaces, the introduction of new retail units and public toilets, and a taller canopy to cover the stalls.

    The Indoor Market remains open as usual during the works, while outdoor traders are temporarily based at Bert Turner Boulevard/High Street/Church Street, with opening days and times remaining the same: 8am to 3pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 7am to 1.30pm for the Bilston Sunday Market and Car Boot.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “It is good to see the project moving towards the main works with the foundations going down and we will soon see our fantastic new look market emerging from the ground.

    “We had good feedback from traders and residents throughout the consultation on this scheme and have developed attractive plans that will enhance Bilston market for everyone.

    “While the improvement works are taking place, I would urge visitors to get along to the indoor market and temporary outdoor market and continue to support their local traders.

    “It is important for our traditional local centres to flourish, and this scheme builds substantially on the investment already made in Bilston in recent years.”

    Rob Lashford, Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We’re pleased to be making headway on the redevelopment of Bilston Outdoor Market which is set to improve the market space for the local community and traders. We look forward to seeing how the enhancement works transform Bilston.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Counter terror-style powers to strengthen ability to smash smuggling gangs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Powerful new legislation will give law enforcement tougher tools to pursue people smugglers and disrupt their ability to carry out small boat crossings.

    New counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs will be introduced as part of landmark legislation to protect our borders.

    The measures will for the first time allow counter-terror style tactics to be used against smuggling gangs through unprecedented tools to stop smugglers before they act.

    This includes stronger powers to seize and search mobile phones to investigate organised immigration crime and introducing new offences against gangs conspiring to plan crossings, selling or handling small boat parts for use in the Channel, supplying forged ID documents, for migrants attempting to come here illegally.

    These laws, included within the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill introduced in Parliament today (January 30), are inspired by powers used to combat terrorism and will transform the ability of law enforcement agencies to take earlier and more effective action against organised immigration crime.

    The robust, workable measures will directly go after organised crime groups who – even in the freezing temperatures in the Channel this month – are continuing to organise dangerous crossings, not caring if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay. The legislation will give greater powers than ever to law enforcement agencies to treat people smuggling as a global security threat as part of our renewed effort to break the business model of these gangs for good and restore order to our asylum system.

    The new laws are being welcomed by law enforcement agencies like the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and police, and include:

    • allowing immigration officers and police to seize phones, laptops and other electronic devices at an earlier stage before arrests are made, if they are suspected of containing information about organised immigration crime
    • allowing law enforcement to arrest those involved in facilitating organised immigration crime at a much earlier stage than is currently possible, meaning they can intervene quicker, more effectively and before smuggling takes place
    • making it illegal to supply or handle items suspected of being for use by organised crime groups, for example the selling and handling of small boats parts, with those caught facing a prison sentence of up to 14 years
    • creating a new offence for collecting information to be used by organised immigration criminals to prepare for boat crossings. This includes arranging departure points, dates and times, with clear links back to the gangs facilitating the dangerous crossings
    • criminalising the making, adapting, importing and possession of specific articles that could be used in serious crime, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years. This includes templates for 3D printed firearms, pill presses and vehicle concealments
    • putting the role of the Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, on a legal footing, meaning he will have the authority to convene partners across law enforcement and set strategic priorities for achieving the Home Secretary’s goals. These will be shared with partners like the National Crime Agency as part of their ongoing work upstream to target people smuggling networks
    • to prevent more people being crammed into unsafe, flimsy boats and lives being put at risk by these gangs, we will make it an offence to endanger another life during perilous sea crossing to the UK.  Anyone involved in physical aggression, intimidation or coercive behaviour, including preventing offers of rescue, while at sea will face prosecution and an increased sentence of up to five years in prison

    Border Security is one of the foundations of the government’s Plan for Change. The legislation being introduced today demonstrates our commitment to giving law enforcement the tools and powers they need to protect the integrity of the UK border as we put in place a serious, credible plan to restore order to our asylum system.

    Since July, we have already surpassed our pledge to deliver the highest rate of removals since 2018, with 16,400 people with no right to be in the UK removed since this government took power and have ramped up our enforcement against illegal working by 32% as we look to end the false promise of jobs sold to migrants by people smugglers.   This is in addition to a stream of major people smuggling arrests through a renewed focus on joint international investigations involving the National Crime Agency.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Over the last six years, criminal smuggling gangs have been allowed to take hold all along our borders, making millions out of small boat crossings.

    This Bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice.

    These new counter terror-style powers, including making it easier to seize mobile phones at the border, along with statutory powers for our new Border Security Command to focus activity across law enforcement agencies and border force will turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs.

    Our Plan for Change relies on strong border security. It is critical we have the tools at our disposal to pursue those who undermine them in every way we can.

    Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:

    It is vital that government and our law enforcement partners, working together as part of the UK’s border security system, have the right tools to tackle the people smuggling gangs abusing our border.

    This Bill will do exactly that, by equipping teams on the ground dealing with this issue first hand and empowering them to go further and act faster when dismantling organised criminality.

    These crucial measures will underpin our enforcement action across the system, and together with our strengthened relationships with international partners, we will bring down these gangs once and for all.

    NCA Director General Graeme Biggar said:

    Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA.

    The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill should help UK law enforcement act earlier and faster to disrupt people smuggling networks and give us additional tools to target them and their business models.

    These criminal gangs risk the lives of those they transport in their deadly pursuit of profit, and we remain determined to work with partners in the UK and abroad to do all we can to stop them.

    Based on counter-terror tactics, the new powers in this Bill will allow law enforcement to make swifter interventions at a much earlier stage against those conspiring to smuggle people into the UK by small boats or in the backs of lorries.

    Where someone is suspected of selling or handling small boats parts or sharing suspect information online, we will be able to apply these offences against them at this point and make an arrest. Current rules mean law enforcement are unable to intervene until much later on in the process and after they’ve facilitated a small boat crossing.

    In November 2024, Amanj Hasan Zada was jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of organising small boat crossings from his home in Lancashire. Each crossing involved Kurdish migrants who had travelled through eastern Europe, into Germany, Belgium and then France. It is possible the reasonable suspicion element means investigators would have met the requirements to arrest and charge earlier with the new offences. Evidence which showed Zada planning organised immigration crime facilitation – for example discussing moving migrants, purchasing vessels – would have likely been in scope of the offence. Instead of needing to prove a definitive link to a migrant facilitation under current legislation, the new offences could have met the threshold for earlier and faster action to be taken.

    The Bill will also modernise biometric checks overseas to build a clear picture of individuals coming to the UK and preventing those with a criminal history from entering. During crisis evacuations to the UK, the new powers will allow checks to take place much earlier, resulting in the rapid identification of who is eligible to enter the country and reducing the risk of delays or security threats during time sensitive operations.

    In a major upgrade to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, we will also give law enforcement new powers to impose Interim Serious Crime Prevention Orders, allowing them to place instance restrictions on organised immigration criminals alongside other serious criminals. This could include bans on travel, internet and mobile phone use, with curbs also leading to social media blackouts, curfews and restricted access to finances.

    Collectively, these measures will strengthen our response across the system, empowering partners and law enforcement to properly go after the people smuggling gangs.

    Through the Border Security Command, we’re already driving up activity to disrupt the criminal gangs behind this trade.

    The NCA continues to target smuggling networks in the UK and overseas. This includes three arrests this month in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region as a result of a joint operation between the NCA and local law enforcement, the first of its kind.

    But with this legislation we will go further, giving our law enforcement stronger tools than ever before to dismantle the gangs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrate Charles Dickens’ 213th birthday

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is to host a special event on Friday 7 February to honour the renowned author on the 213th anniversary of his birth.

    Every year the museum hosts the celebration to commemorate the writer at the place he was born in Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth.

    The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth will be in attendance to lay a wreath at the front door of the home at 11am. There will also be members of Dickens Fellowship Portsmouth Branch who will be performing readings from some of his most famous works.

    After the ceremony the museum will be open for visitors to view the room in which he was born and discover some of Dickens’ prized possessions.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development, said:

    “We encourage residents to join us to mark the anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth and celebrate the life and work of one of the world’s most acclaimed authors –  especially as he was born here in Portsmouth.

    “Portsmouth is rich in history and the arts and this special house combines the two.”

    Charles Dickens was born on 7 February 1812. The eldest son of John and Elizabeth Dickens, he was christened Charles John Huffman Dickens in the nearby St Mary’s Church.

    The Dickens family lived in the home from 1809 for three years before moving to 16 Hawks Street, which was destroyed by bombing in 1941.

    The museum will be open from 12pm until 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) on 6 February; and 10am until 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) on 7, 8, 9, 18, 20, and 22 February.

    Due to the small nature of the birthplace, visits may need to be staggered so it’s possible visitors may need to queue outside for a period of time.

    Portsmouth residents can enter the museum for free, for more information visit, charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How an innovative new plan is helping to put food on Mancunian tables

    Source: City of Manchester

    How an innovative new plan is helping to put food on Mancunian tables

    Dozens of families in Manchester did not go hungry this winter thanks to an innovative new programme to help combat food poverty. 

    Since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis Manchester City Council has been acutely aware that basic food items have soared in price, making it harder and harder to provide a healthy and nutritious meal. 

    That is why the Our Manchester Food Partnership, working with our own Children’s Centres and Venner Nutrition, have been working to combat food insecurity by providing healthy and balanced food boxes to families and working to empower people with the skills and resources to feed themselves. 

    Running from October to December last year a total of 96 ingredient boxes were delivered to families in Early Years settings. Inside these boxes there were a range of ingredients and food staples. 

    In addition to the food boxes this scheme also worked with parents to help them make better choices when it comes to food, providing more information on how to make meals that are nutritionally balanced, the benefits of trying new and healthier foods, and providing recipes and resources to help people cook new things. 

    Above all, the scheme was about promoting long-term and lasting changes in attitudes towards food, making mealtimes fun rather than daunting. 

    Over the course of the programme a lot of positive feedback was passed on from participants. 

    One family said: “My children don’t really eat vegetables but they did get excited when they saw the big box of food and what the different vegetables were. The kids tried vegetables they never tried before – I don’t buy a lot of vegetables, the kids usually waste it.” 

    Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “Deprivation and a lack of access to healthy and nutritious food can have a hugely negative impact on people’s health and especially the development of young children 

    “Through this trial programme we wanted to expand our offer of just offering food parcels, providing greater wrap-around support and tackling some of the real issues behind food poverty. 

    “Providing recipes and practical advice on how to cook, information on what foods to choose and how healthy options can be incorporated into a wide range of meals is as equally as important as just providing the food itself to eat. 

    “I’m proud of the success we’ve seen here as it demonstrates the many ways in which the Council is working to end food insecurity and hunger.” 

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on Colomendy Outdoor Activity Centre

    Source: City of Liverpool

    The lease of Colomendy Outdoor Activity Centre will be returned to Liverpool City Council following the current leaseholder entering into administration.

    Earlier this month, Kingswood Colomendy Ltd, the site’s tenant, and its parent company, Inspiring Learning Ltd, both ceased trading and administrators were appointed.

    Kingswood Colomendy Ltd was granted a 30-year lease on the North Wales site in 2007 but administrators have informed LCC, as the freehold owner, that the lease will be handed back to the council. This is known as disclaiming the lease.

    The centre, which is at Loggerheads, near Mold, is now closed.

    When the lease is returned, the council will perform an options appraisal for the long-term use of the site.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New submarine facility in Bristol opened by Defence Minister

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New Submarine Availability Support Hub will support 100 new jobs, boost engineering capabilities and deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Defence Minister Maria Eagle opening the facility

    • New Submarine Availability Support Hub will support 100 new jobs, boost engineering capabilities and deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change.
    • The state-of-the-art facility will bring Government and industry closer together – enabling faster decision- making and innovative problem solving.
    • Follows the launch of the Government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, which will ensure the defence sector is an engine for growth.

    Britain’s nuclear submarine patrols will be strengthened by a new hub that brings Government and industry closer together, creating 100 new jobs and supporting apprenticeships across the UK.

    The Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) will improve submarine delivery, boost UK engineering capabilities, and help maintain the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.

    The opening of the state-of-the-art facility will help deliver the government’s Plan for Change by strengthening security and supporting the mission to kickstart economic growth. 

    The facility will enable the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – the partnership of organisations that operate, maintain, renew and sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent – to work together more seamlessly with Babcock and other contractors to drive better submarine availability and delivery.  

    This will be achieved through utilising cutting-edge digital and learning tools and drawing together technical and engineering expertise in a collaborative space.

    The investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to the national security and follows the launch of the consultation for the Defence Industrial Strategy – which will place deterrence at the heart of a new approach and ensures the defence sector is an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.

    Defence Minister Maria Eagle today opened the SASH in Bristol, which adds to the 42,000 jobs, and supply chain of 3,000 businesses already supporting our national endeavour to maintain the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. 

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:  

    It was a privilege to open the new Babcock Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol, and to have the opportunity to speak with civilian colleagues and Navy personnel alike.

    The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth. 

    This brand new facility will benefit the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security, and bolsters our country’s prosperity.

    Submarine Delivery Agency, CEO Sir Chris Gardner KBE said:

    The opening of the Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol provides a collaborative space that will support submarine availability for the Royal Navy in defence of our nation. This innovative facility is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the UK’s nuclear enterprise.

    It offers a dedicated space for the Submarine Delivery Agency and Babcock to undertake vital joint work which will support waterfront operations, as well as presenting an opportunity to develop future talent by providing placement roles for engineering students.

    In addition, the activity taking place within the SASH enables waterfront operations at Clyde and Devonport by improving the content, planning and preparation for maintenance periods as part of an integrated Naval Nuclear business to support submarine availability.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA launches new metagenomic surveillance for health security

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK launches mSCAPE, a world-first metagenomics initiative by UKHSA to enhance health security through rapid pathogen detection and surveillance.

    The UK has taken a leap forward in its efforts to use pathogen genomics to improve health security. Today the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) launches a world-first metagenomics initiative to aid in the rapid detection of infectious diseases that could threaten the UK. The metagenomics Surveillance Collaboration and Analysis Programme (mSCAPE), which has been in development over the last year, is piloting the use of metagenomic data for public health surveillance and pathogen analysis.    

    The programme is a collaborative initiative, led by UKHSA and involving a consortium of NHS and academic partners including the University of Birmingham, University of Edinburgh, and the NHS Clinical Respiratory Metagenomics Network led by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.    

    UKHSA will take anonymous pathogen data from multiple labs that are using metagenomics for diagnosis, including those in the NHS, and analyse it at a national level to monitor trends, epidemiology and pathogen emergence at speed. This will allow for assessment of the ability to significantly improve identification of new outbreaks as well as enabling the source of an outbreak to be better understood, predictions to be made about the effectiveness of potential treatments, and any concerning mutations can be identified.  

    Effective use of metagenomic data will add a new, crucial insight to current health protection surveillance systems in the UK. mSCAPE aims to develop the capability to use this data as part of UKHSA’s ongoing surveillance of new and emerging infections, pathogens of pandemic potential, and to monitor the evolution of pathogens that cause disease.    

    Metagenomic methodology allows for untargeted sequencing of patient samples for the presence of pathogenic viruses and bacteria, which is a significant step forward in detection and diagnosis abilities. Traditional genomic methodologies have required scientists to target sample sequencing towards pathogens that are already known to the scientific and medical community. Pathogen-agnostic metagenomic methods do not require scientists to know for sure what pathogens are present in a sample before the sequencing is conducted.  

    This is a major advantage in the detection of known but unexpected pathogens for which specific tests are not readily available and for pathogens not normally found in humans. It is also beneficial in the event of the emergence of a previously unknown novel pathogen.  Metagenomic sequencing is becoming established as a clinical diagnostic test, and its use is currently being expanded in the NHS.  

    Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor, said:  

    Genomics has been a crucial aspect of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic from the very start, and the UK’s enormous technical expertise in this area has allowed us to play a leading role in the identification and analysis of COVID-19 variants as they emerge.   

    The new mSCAPE programme will allow us to use the UK’s leading genomics capability to conduct community surveillance using pathogen-agnostic sequencing data for the first time anywhere in the world, and our new initiative to share our pathogen genomic data demonstrates our commitment to our data being used to improve health globally.  

    This is a hugely exciting development which will increase our ability to respond at speed to new and emerging pathogens and will help to ensure that we are as prepared as possible to act quickly and effectively to protect the public from future threats. 

    Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for NHS England and Senior Responsible Officer for NHS Genomics, said:

    Genomics is revolutionising the way we predict, prevent, diagnose and treat illness – whether it’s diagnosing rare conditions in children more quickly, helping personalise cancer treatments to make them more effective, or identifying people at greater risk from kidney disease.

    The mSCAPE programme is another great example of how the UK is leading the world in this field, and we are pleased to be able to support it through our Networks of Excellence in Severe Respiratory Infections.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Climate Minister in Brussels to kickstart growth in the North Seas

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Climate Minister forges stronger UK-EU cooperation to drive growth and energy security.

    • Closer UK-EU cooperation in the North Seas to deliver growth and greater energy security
    • new independent report shows economic benefits of working with EU on clean energy
    • collaboration with European partners on the clean energy transition will help to drive government’s Plan for Change, protecting bills and creating thousands of jobs

    Cooperation on the North Seas was at the top of the agenda for Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy’s first visit to Brussels yesterday (Tuesday 28 January). 

    During the visit, Minister McCarthy delivered a keynote speech to European leaders at the European Energy Forum, where she said that by working together the UK and the EU can turn the North Seas into the green power plant of Europe and unlock thousands of well-paid, skilled British jobs. 

    This comes as independent consultants Grant Thornton publish a report commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which finds that closer cooperation on the clean energy transition in the North Seas could lower bills, create up to 51,000 jobs, and add up to £36 billion to the UK economy.  

    Minister McCarthy also made the case to EU counterparts that the energy transition in the North Seas will ensure the oil and gas workforce are the ones who deliver the North Sea’s decarbonised future, through offshore wind, carbon capture and storage and hydrogen.  

    Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said:

    The EU is a crucial ally in bolstering our energy security and protecting families and businesses across Europe from volatile fossil fuel markets.  

    There is so much more we can do to speed up the clean energy transition, deliver our Plan for Change and make the North Seas the green power plant of Europe. 

    Through greater cooperation, we can build on our Mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030 helping keep bills down and kickstarting economic growth. 

    Tsvetelina Penkova President of the European Energy Forum and Member of the European Parliament said: 

    We simply have to build a robust cooperation between the EU and the UK on energy matters. It is crucial for addressing our shared challenges and ensuring energy security.  

    Key areas such as energy grids, connectivity and nuclear power require close collaboration to strengthen infrastructure, drive innovation, and support the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. By working together, we can create a more resilient and interconnected energy network that benefits both parties and contributes to a secure and sustainable energy future. 

    Minister McCarthy has met with a series of international partners including Belgian Energy Minister, Tinne van der Straeten and the European Union’s Principal Adviser on Energy Diplomacy, Tibor Stelaczky.  

    The visit comes as the UK continues work to reset its relationship with Europe, an ambition grounded in a new spirit of co-operation intended to strengthen ties, tackle barriers to trade and collaborate in the face of shared global challenges from climate change to illegal migration.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government aims to crack down on rogue higher education operators

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Proposed reforms to tighten rules around franchising and crack down on fraud in the student finance system that cost taxpayers £2m in 2022/23.   

    Tough new reforms proposed by the Department for Education would tighten controls on university franchising arrangements in England to safeguard public money and shore up the reputation of our world class higher education sector.   

    Franchising enables universities to subcontract courses to external providers. When done right, it makes it easier for more students to access higher education, especially in areas where options are limited, or when people such as mature students are balancing study around work and life.    

    The number of students studying at franchised providers has more than doubled in recent years, with over 130,000 using their services. But an investigation by the National Audit Office (NAO) raised concerns about franchising arrangements, with fraud in the sector costing the public purse £2m in 2022/23.    

    More than half of 341 franchised institutions are currently unregistered with the Office for Students (OfS), meaning they are not directly regulated. In some cases, students are offered poor-quality courses that fail to justify their cost, showing a clear need for reform.   

    Under new government plans published for consultation today (30 January), delivery partners with 300 or more students would be required to register with the OfS to ensure their courses meet rigorous quality standards, in order to be eligible to access to student finance.   

    If the OfS finds that a provider is not meeting the standards required of registered providers, they will be publicly held to account and could risk facing fines and the suspension of their registration, in the most extreme circumstances. The OfS will also publish student outcome data for all subcontracted partnerships every year.   

    The move comes ahead of a significant package of higher education reforms due to be announced this summer that will put students first and cement universities’ status as engines of growth in their communities, as the government delivers its Plan for Change to drive economic growth and raise living standards.   

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:   

    We are committed to cracking down on rogue operators who misuse public money and damage the reputation of our world-class universities.  

    Franchising can be a valuable tool to widen access to higher education, and these proposals will ensure students can trust the quality of their courses, no matter where or how they choose to study.   

    The credibility of our universities is at stake, but these proposals seek to protect students and safeguard taxpayer’s money, as part of our work to drive growth through our Plan for Change.  

    Franchising allows courses to be adapted to suit different needs and circumstances. It also helps colleges and universities work more closely together and gives new, innovative education providers a chance to get started.   

    Providers such as London South Bank University, which partners with some of the city’s top NHS teaching Trusts to help students’ studying midwifery and other front-line services, demonstrate the real-world benefits of franchising – with students achieving their qualifications alongside invaluable workplace experience, helping to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.   

    Universities and colleges whose names and brands are being used by franchises will remain responsible for ensuring their subcontracted arrangements meet quality and standards requirements. New regulations could come into effect as soon as spring next year, depending on the outcome of the consultation.  

    These reforms would protect the high standards of the UK’s higher education sector, which contributes around £265bn to the UK economy, ensuring it continues to drive economic growth and benefit both students and the wider economy.

    These proposals would strengthen the OfS’s ability to protect the public money that goes into franchising. The consultation aligns with the OfS’s work to strengthen conditions of registration related to governance and student interests.    

    The OfS will shortly be consulting on changes to requirements for providers that wish to join its register to ensure they are all managed and governed effectively.   

    The OfS has currently paused registration of new higher education providers to support the sector with financial sustainability concerns, after finding 72 per cent of providers could be operating in deficit by next year.   

    They expect the pause to stay in place until August 2025 but will review the decision every three months, meaning the registration process should be open again by the time the government’s proposed changes would take effect.   

    The Department for Education’s consultation will be open from 30 January to 4 April 2024. After the consultation closes, the Department for Education will review the responses and aims to publish its official response in the summer.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK response to the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: UK statement to the OSCE, January 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Ambassador Neil Holland thanks the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly for the Assembly’s work which underscores our collective commitment to strengthen democracy across the OSCE region.

    Thank you, Chair.  Madam President, welcome back to the Permanent Council and thank you for your address.  

    January is a time of new beginnings.  Here at the OSCE we have welcomed Finland as our new Chair in Office, and a new Secretary General. But sadly the agenda and the issues we face remain the same.  Russia continues to inflict its war on its neighbour, endangering the lives of ordinary citizens and threatening regional peace and stability. We have consistently supported Ukraine and the international community’s efforts to investigate, document, pursue and prosecute those committing war crimes. National parliaments and the Parliamentary Assembly have played an important role in maintaining political commitment in our capitals and promoting OSCE and national support for Ukraine. We look forward to hearing about the outcome of your upcoming visit to Kyiv.  

    Beyond Ukraine, we cannot neglect other vulnerable regions. Moldova and the South Caucasus remain unstable and we are concerned by the situation in Georgia. The OSCE has a versatile toolbox which could help address the challenges that we are witnessing and support participating States in meeting their OSCE commitments. We must ensure that it is sufficiently resourced and empowered to do that.   

    Madam President, you also mentioned the Assembly’s work on election monitoring.  This observation is an integral part of the democratic process, supporting electoral integrity and documenting whether elections are credible and inclusive. Last year was a bumper year for elections in the OSCE region including in the United Kingdom. We thank the hundreds of parliamentary observers who participated in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s missions and those who will do so in Albania and Moldova in the coming months. This coming together in a collective exercise to strengthen democracy across the OSCE is an important manifestation of our shared commitments. 

    Madam President, we look forward to marking with you and parliamentarians from across our region the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act this summer and in doing so reinvigorating our commitment to the principles within it. We would like to thank you, Secretary General Montella and the Assembly for the work you are doing. We offer our full support to you and your excellent team and look forward to continued co-operation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: January blues banished at ABC Age Friendly tea dance

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Cllr Kate Evans who is an Age Friendly Champion for the ABC Borough is pictured with ABC Age Friendly Officer Stephanie Rock at the tea dance at the Armagh City Hotel.

    The January blues were banished in style at the ABC Age Friendly Tea Dance held in the Armagh City Hotel.

    Over 200 people aged 50 plus, turned out for the social event on Thursday 23 January, which was organised by the ABC Age Friendly Officer Stephanie Rock and funded by the Public Health Agency.

    As well as the tea dance, the event included information stands from a wide range of Service Providers who were on hand to offer helpful advice.

    Cllr Kate Evans who is an Age Friendly Champion for the ABC Borough, welcomed everyone to the tea dance and thanked all those who helped organise the successful event.

    Everyone thoroughly enjoyed a great afternoon of moving, connecting and learning about services available to people aged 50 plus in the Borough.

    To find out about future Age Friendly events happening in the ABC Borough, or to sign up for the ABC Seniors Newsletter, you can contact Stephanie on tel: 07825 010630 or by email:

    *protected email*

    You can also keep up to date by visiting the Age Friendly webpage on the council website – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/agefriendly

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘This Girl Moves’ inspires young leaders to get more girls active

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) have teamed up once again to host the ‘This Girl Moves’ Leadership Day to inspire and motivate teenage girls to get active!

    Funded by the Public Health Agency, the programme is designed to inspire female students to create positive change within their schools by encouraging and supporting their peers to become more active, irrespective of age, ability and shape.

    Twenty-four female pupils aged 13-15 years representing Brownlow Integrated College, Craigavon Senior High School, Lurgan Junior High School and Killicomaine Junior High School attended the recent event at Dromore Community Centre.

    Through a series of interactive workshops, physical activity sessions and team-building exercises, the girls explored the factors impacting on girls’ participation in sport and creative ways to help get more girls involved in exercise and sport.

    The participants will return to their schools as ambassadors tasked with promoting physical activities and encouraging more girls to get active and stay active. Over the coming months, they will continue to work with the ABC Council and SHSCT teams to fulfil their roles, whilst also working towards the ‘I Can Lead’ Award, developed by the Leadership Skills Foundation.

    Speaking at the ‘This Girl Moves’ Leadership Day, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage said, “The research shows that girls are more likely to disengage from sport and physical activity, experience more barriers and drop out of sports in their teenage years. I am therefore delighted that we can continue to support this campaign to inspire young girls across the borough to create positive change together and among their peers. I wish all the girls every success with their leadership journeys and their campaigns to get more girls active.”

    Southern Health and Social Care Trust Physical Activity Lead, Clare Drummy, added, “Children here have the lowest physical activity levels throughout the UK. For this reason, we’re committed to supporting girls to become more active in a way that suits them, so this can be sustained into adulthood.

    “We know that peer support has the greatest influence on teenage girls, which is why we are recruiting physical activity ambassadors to support and encourage girls in their schools to be active.”

    The ‘This Girl Moves’ programme will run across the SHSCT area with further events to take place in the coming weeks. For further information, contact

    *protected email*

    or

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free bus travel on offer for up to two thousand Spectra visitors

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    First Bus has teamed up with Scotland’s Festival of Light for the second year running to offer free bus travel to Spectra visitors.

    With an apt festival theme of Journeys this year, up to two thousand two-trip tickets have been made available, allowing visitors to claim free travel for First Bus services, as they make their way to and from Spectra on their chosen date.

    The festival, owned and commissioned by Aberdeen City Council, will return from February 6 to February 9, with a packed programme of 15 art light installations, and a wide range of supporting activations, from fire street performances to dancers and musicians.

    From a giant moon apparently removed from its orbit and lassoed to a boat, to a dreamy inflatable light castle, and an enormous illuminated slinky toy installation, there’ll be a wide range of artworks for people of all ages to enjoy.

    Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s Culture spokesperson, said: “Spectra draws in thousands of visitors to the city centre each year. It’s fantastic to be partnering with First Bus again, after the free travel offer proved so popular in 2024, to allow visitors to travel to and from the festival in a sustainable way.

    “We’re looking forward to the festival getting underway, as it truly shines a spotlight on everything Aberdeen has to offer. We hope that visitors take advantage of this offer and enjoy both the fantastic artworks and other performances, as well as the hospitality of our city centre businesses.”

    David Adam, Operations Manager for First Bus in Aberdeen, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Spectra once again to offer sustainable travel to up to two thousand visitors going to-and-from the festival. 

    “Events like Spectra, which bring so many people to Aberdeen city centre, are fantastic for everyone and captures the imagination while showing off some of Aberdeen’s most iconic buildings in a new, exciting way.”

    Now in its 11th year, the celebration of light, art and creativity is now firmly established in Scotland’s event calendar, having grown in the past decade, from an initial audience of 10,000 at a single site to attracting over 100,000 visits over four days in 2024 and contributing £2.6 million in visitor spend to the local economy.

    Those interested in claiming the free travel offer are encouraged to sign-up to the Spectra mailing list by 12pm on Monday 3 February. Details will then be shared with instructions on how to claim a two-trip ticket which will be redeemable through the First Bus app, per app user during the festival dates from 6 to 9 February. More information on how to claim the offer is available at: http://www.spectrafestival.com/

    Check out the full line-up for Spectra here: http://www.spectrafestival.com/ 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland growth opportunities showcased to international audience

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Whilst in attendance at the Scottish Cities Week the Council Leader had the opportunity to meet with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland making representation on a number of matters that are important to the whole of the Highland Council area . Pictured is The Highland Council Leader, Councillor Raymond Bremner with the Secretary of State for Scotland, The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP and Allan Maguire, the Council’s Head of Development and Regeneration.

    The Highland Council’s Leader Councillor Raymond Bremner attended Scottish Cities Week in London (20-22 January) to promote investment opportunities in Inverness, the Highlands and the Highland Council area.  Scottish Cities Week aims to provide a focused opportunity to create and develop long-term strategic partnerships, with a wide array of investors and developers.

    Its success is rooted in the cities working in collaboration with the Scottish and UK Government, via the Scottish Cities Alliance, to boost investor confidence and deliver a programme of activity promoting the benefits of investing in Scotland’s smart and sustainable cities. It also provides opportunities for Highland Council representatives to meet with government Ministers and Cabinet Secretaries and discuss matters of importance to the Highlands.

    The multi-day event is attended by national and international investors together with representatives from the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and the Department of Business and Trade.  This year’s event programme focused on seizing the unique opportunities related to our contribution towards the transition to net zero and other high growth businesses and sectors, driving place-based investment and innovation and enabling infrastructure.  

    The event coincides with the council’s recent launch of the new Invest Highland brand which is aimed at promoting the Highlands’ wealth of investment opportunities.

    Council Leader Cllr Raymond Bremner said: “The Highland region is really coming into its own and is attracting interest from all over the world.  We have so much to offer inward investors and Scottish Cities Week is a great platform for showcasing the world class opportunities which exist throughout our area. Attracting investors to the region is essential to address societal challenges and unlock transformational change. 

    “With representatives also attending from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, it helps demonstrate the successful partnerships we have in Highland and shows our ambition for the future.”

    30 Jan 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Winter Road Conditions Report – Thursday 30 January 2025

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.  It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.

    Maps of the Council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online. 

    The Met Office’s yellow warning for Ice over the Highlands expired at 10am today.

    Highland Road Conditions Report for Thursday 30 January 2025 are as follows:   

    Skye and Raasay 07:28 – Treatment is ongoing on all routes. Road conditions are reported as having icy patches. There are no known overnight issues.

    Nairn 07:42 – Treatment is ongoing on all routes and footpaths. Road conditions are damp on lower routes with ice and snow/sleet on higher routes. There are no known overnight issues.

    Badenoch and Strathspey 07:43 – Treatment is ongoing on all routes as well as footpaths, as resources permit. Road conditions have snow/sleet affecting the North of the area with damp and icy roads in the South. There are no known overnight issues.

    East Ross-shire 07:56 – All routes and footpaths have received treatment. Road conditions have widespread black ice across the area and caution is advised on all routes.

    Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh 06:58 – Road conditions are very icy due to a cold snap overnight. Extreme caution is advised when travelling across the ward. Road conditions in the East are reported to be very icy around Strathpeffer/Contin/Garve areas as well as Marybank through to Strathconnon. Snow is present on the A832 around The Fain. On the mountain passes, there is a covering of frozen snow on the Belach na ba and a covering of frozen hail on the Mam Ratagan. There are no known overnight issues.

    Caithness 06:49 – Road conditions are frosty especially on inland routes, with sleet showers continuing in the morning. Negative road surface temperatures were reported in the am. Weekend routes are being treated due to resource availability as well as footpaths. There are no known overnight issues.

    Lochaber 08:41 – All priority and secondary roads have received treatment. Treatment is ongoing on other routes as needed. Road conditions are damp/wet and some have a lot of sparkle sections. There are no known overnight issues.

    Sutherland 08:19 – All routes have received treatment. Road conditions are icy with a light dusting of snow on high ground. Conditions are milder to the North and West of the county.

    Inverness 06:32 – Treatment is ongoing on all routes and footpaths. Road conditions are damp with some snow on higher ground. There are no known overnight issues.

    No schools are currently closed today due to the weather.  For details visit www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures – please note that this page is cleared at 4pm each day.

    Follow our social media channels to keep up-to-date with all Highland Council road issues – X @HighlandCouncil and Facebook

    Information and flooding advice is available on our website

    Information on weather warnings is available on the Met Office website

    For information on Trunk Roads follow @trafficscotland

    For information on power cuts, visit SSEN website

    SEPA are the Scottish Environment Protection Agency – SEPA

    Ready Scotland’s aim is to make Scotland more resilient to emergencies. We know that disruptions can happen at any time and we’re here to help – Ready Scotland

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Trade Minister visited South Africa and Botswana to strengthen trade ties

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    This was the first visit to Africa by UK Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander, which forms part of the UK Government’s wider resetting of partnerships with Africa, which the Foreign Secretary set out in November during his visits to Nigeria and South Africa.

    UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, Douglas Alexander, travelled to South Africa and Botswana to strengthen trade links and create opportunities for both African and UK businesses.

    He is the first Minister from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade to travel to the continent since the UK election, which took place last summer.

    The UK is seeking to deepen trade and investment across the continent and drive mutually beneficial growth in both the UK and Africa, including by making progress on removing barriers to trade to help businesses export more easily and providing UK support to trade for development programmes across the continent.

    During his trip, the Trade Policy Minister co-chaired the first Southern African Custom Union and Mozambique (SACUM) – UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Joint Council. The Economic Partnership Agreement underpins all goods trade with the UK and SACUM members. The Joint Council discussed where there is potential to strengthen our trade and investment partnerships and support economic growth across all member countries.

    He met with South Africa’s Minister for Trade Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, South Africa’s Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, as well as Botswana’s Vice-President and Trade Minister, Ndaba Gaolathe, to discuss areas for future growth in key sectors including infrastructure, energy, transport and logistics, agriculture, minerals, and the digital economy. He also met with UK and South African companies and took part in a CEO roundtable, where he was seeking views from the private sector to help inform the Government’s cross-continent reset and wider trade strategy.

    Trade Policy Minister, Douglas Alexander said:

    The Government is taking a fresh approach to Africa, one which prioritises genuine partnerships, mutual benefit, and sustainable development. My visit is an important step in building new, long-lasting relationships in South Africa and Botswana.

    South Africa is our largest trading partner in Africa, with an exciting period ahead as the country assumes the G20 Presidency. Both of our Governments are laser focused on economic growth – this shared ambition is a powerful motivator for greater bilateral trade.

    Mutual economic growth is also at the forefront of the UK’s relationship with Botswana. There is a huge opportunity for us to collaborate on sectors important to our economies including renewable energy and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our ties.

    Minister Alexander emphasised the UK’s support for South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 this year and reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to building mutually beneficial partnerships with African countries. This follows on from the UK Foreign Secretary’s recent visit to the continent in November 2024, during which he agreed to develop a UK-South Africa Growth Plan.

    Further information

    • this visit forms part of the UK Government’s wider resetting of partnerships with Africa, which the Foreign Secretary set out in November during his visits to Nigeria and South Africa based on three priorities: economic growth and transformation, climate and nature, and governance and security
    • background for the UK’s Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander MP can be found here
    • information on the SACUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement can be found here
    • information on the UK Foreign Secretary’s visit to Nigeria and South Africa, including agreement on developing a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan, can be found here

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SIA giving confiscated cash to charities to aid public safety

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Charities and community groups can now apply for grants to support projects aimed at improving public safety and supporting the private security.

    The money has been confiscated by the SIA from criminals through proceeds of crime confiscation orders and is now available to charities to bid for. 

    The ‘grants for good causes’ could help fund a range of projects run by charities. Last year, the SIA gave over £72,000 to support 7 initiatives across several charities and community groups including Employment 4 All, Diverse FM, and Glasgow Street Aid among others. 

    The SIA helped fund projects including human trafficking awareness workshops, employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged groups and training for volunteers in emergency first response care.  

    Paul Cartlidge, Chair of the grants for good causes panel, said: 

    I’m delighted to be opening this year’s grants for applications. Public safety is a team effort, and our commitment to protecting people goes beyond our day-to-day duties. Grassroots projects run by charities and community groups can have a profound impact on public safety, the private security industry and the people using their services.  

    As the regulator of the private security industry, we take robust enforcement action to prosecute those who put the public at risk through their offending. Through the grants for good causes, we are putting the ill-gotten gains of criminals to good use in a way that will benefit society and make the world a little bit safer.

    Applications are open now, and more information about how to apply is on the SIA grant for good causes page on GOV.UK. Registered charities and community interest companies in the UK have until Friday 21 February at 11:59 pm to apply for funding. Eligible organisations must show how a grant will benefit the UK private security industry and/or support public safety. 

    Notes to editors 

    The full amount of funding available will be confirmed in due course. 

    About the Proceeds of Crime Act 

    The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) enables the SIA to investigate the financial activity of people who have committed a criminal offence and confiscate the proceeds of crime through a court-issued confiscation order. The SIA has been a designated body under POCA since 2015. 

    The SIA receives a portion of the money it recovers through confiscation orders under the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS). This money can only be used to fund its financial investigation capability or distributed to good causes. 

    About the SIA grant for good causes fund 

    Organisations can apply for a grant if they are a registered charity or community interest company (CIC) and can clearly show how they will benefit the UK private security industry and/or support public safety. 

    All the information needed to make an application is available on the SIA grants for good causes page on GOV.UK. Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday 21 February. 

    There is no guarantee that the organisations which apply will get funding. The SIA will inform successful applicants about its decision by Friday 7 March. 

    Further information 

    The Security Industry Authority is the regulator of the UK’s private security industry. Our purpose is to protect the public through effective regulation of the private security industry and working with partners to raise standards across the sector. We are responsible for licensing people who do certain jobs in the private security industry and for approving private security companies who wish to be part of the voluntary ‘Approved Contractor Scheme’.  

    The SIA is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/sia. 

    For media enquiries only, please contact media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Publication of Annual Report and Accounts 2023/2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The report demonstrates an overview of the organisation’s activities, performance, financial accounts and future priorities.

    The Annual Report and Accounts for 2023/2024 has been published, covering key achievements and financial performance of the organisation during the reporting period when the organisation was known as the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) (now the Immigration Advice Authority, or IAA).

    The report demonstrates several milestones, including a new Code of Standards for advisers and the establishment of an Advisory Board to support the Commissioner. Intelligence capabilities were enhanced through stronger partnerships, improving enforcement outcomes. A national stakeholder engagement strategy led to a successful online conference in March 2024, attracting 550 advisers, with many more accessing the recording. Internal improvements included modernising processes and upskilling staff, with 75% of employees reporting positive mental and physical health in the annual wellbeing survey. Additionally, the organisation received a clean audit opinion, reflecting auditors’ confidence in the accuracy and fairness of financial reports.

    John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, said:

    The evolving immigration landscape has led to unprecedented demand for advice services, and while we’re encouraged by the increasing number of prospective advisers, significant challenges remain.

    Our focus is on building a sustainable network of regulated advisers who can meet this growing demand and ensure vulnerable individuals can access the support they need, when they need it. “This is not just about increasing adviser numbers – it’s about creating a resilient advice sector that can adapt to evolving immigration requirements.

    Key performance achievements during the reporting year:

    • 1117 new adviser applications received and 588 of these were approved
    • 1277 continued registration applications approved
    • 140 new organisation applications approved
    • 16 competence assessment events held
    • 737 applicants sat competence assessments
    • 400 applicants passed competence assessments
    • 79 audits completed
    • 27 investigations into complaints of illegal activity completed

    Please note, the OISC’s rebrand to become the IAA, which formally took place on Thursday 16 January, does not impact the content of the report or the activities it covers, which are presented under the OISC branding to accurately reflect the organisation’s identity during the reporting period.

    Read and download the full report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Baroness Hazarika: Lord Speaker’s Corner | House of Lords | Episode 25

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    From politics to comedy to campaigning against anti-social behaviour, broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika is the latest guest on Lord Speaker’s Corner.

    Baroness Hazarika grew up in Coatbridge, Scotland and is the first person of Indian Assamese heritage to join the House of Lords. She rose to become a senior adviser to Labour figures including Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband, playing a crucial role preparing them for PMQs:

    ‘I think Prime Minister’s Questions gets a very bad rap, because it does often become quite Punch and Judy, but I think it’s a really important function of our democracy. There are not many democracies around the world where the principal politician in the land is called to the same spot week in, week out, and faces questions on any topic from any Member of Parliament across the country.’

    In this episode, Baroness Hazarika talks about her unlikely career path from politics to stand-up comedy and broadcasting, and back to politics. She also explains to Lord McFall how she will use her new political platform to campaign against anti-social behaviour and crime:

    ‘I don’t like calling this low-level crime, because I don’t think it’s low-level crime. But I think this stuff is not easy, but the more we talk about it and the more we press government ministers, that puts the pressure on them to keep on keeping this a priority.’

    Finally, Baroness Hazarika tells Lord McFall about receiving the phone call to offer her a place in the Lords, explaining ‘I really couldn’t believe it, because if you’re somebody like me from my background and you’ve loved politics your whole life, it’s a real honour to be asked to join the House of Lords for the party that you have served and the party you love.’

    She shares that this wasn’t the first thought that went through her head though, saying ‘The person said, “I’m calling on behalf of Keir Starmer. This is really serious. Are you by yourself? I think you better sit down.” And the first thing I thought was, “Oh my goodness, what have I been saying on my social media? Am I about to get cancelled, or am I about to get suspended from the Labour Party? Have I said something terrible?’

    See more from the series https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/house-of-lords-podcast/

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #LordSpeakersCorner #LordsMembers

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlYFCKWBnCo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens welcome Rosebank and jackdaw court ruling

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer MP has welcomed a Scottish court ruling that government approval of the giant new Rosebank and Jackdaw developments was unlawful because it did not account for the significant emissions that would be caused by burning the fields’ oil and gas.

    Carla Denyer said: “This is a victory not just for the campaigners who have been fighting against new oil drilling at Rosebank and Jackdaw, but for common sense. The science is clear and the stakes are high: there can be no new oil and gas developments if we are to have a chance of staying within safe climate limits.

    “We’ve already seen the effects of at least 1.2°C degrees of global heating: from record-breaking heatwaves on almost every continent and deadly floods taking people’s lives and livelihoods across the world. In this context, it would be morally scandalous to allow fossil fuel companies like Equinor to start extracting from new fields – for the sake of their own profits and regardless of the consequences for the rest of us.

    “Aside from being a climate crime, opening new oil and gas fields like Rosebank goes entirely against what’s needed to strengthen the UK’s energy security, lower bills, and protect workers – which is to invest in a rapid and fair transition to renewable industries which have a long-term future.

    “If this government is serious about protecting us from the climate crisis and securing a liveable future for our children, it will revoke Rosebank’s license so that there is absolutely no question of this development going ahead. It must also refuse consent for the 13 other oil and gas drilling projects licensed by the previous government, and send a clear signal to the fossil fuel industry that they have no future in the UK.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tuberculosis cases in England continued to increase in 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK TB cases rise 12.9% in 2024, continuing upward trend.

    The latest provisional annual data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that reported notifications of tuberculosis (TB) in England increased by 12.9% compared to 2023, continuing the upward trend over the last few years.

    England remains a low-incidence country for TB, but the TB notification rate in England rose from 8.5 per 100,000 population in 2023 to 9.5 per 100,000 in 2024.

    81.5% of all TB notifications in 2024 were in people born outside the UK but there was an increase in both UK-born and non UK-born populations.

    Tuberculosis continues to be associated with deprivation and is more common in large urban areas. The largest increases in TB notifications in 2024 were recorded in London and West Midlands. Among UK-born individuals, TB is more common in those experiencing homelessness, drug or alcohol dependency, and contact with the criminal justice system.

    Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, said:

    TB remains a serious public health issue in England.

    The infection is preventable and curable. If you have moved to England from a country where TB is more common, please be aware of the symptoms of TB so you can get promptly tested and treated through your GP surgery.

    Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or COVID-19. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than 3 weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk.

    TB is the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, having surpassed coronavirus (COVID-19). It is a bacterial infection that most frequently affects the lungs, which is when it is infectious.

    Symptoms of TB include:

    • a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
    • high temperature
    • night sweats
    • loss of appetite
    • weight loss

    TB can also be found in other parts of the body besides the lungs, with symptoms including swollen glands and joints. More information on the symptoms of TB and what to do is available.

    TB can spread through close contact with people who have the infection and have symptoms (active TB). When someone with active TB coughs, they release small droplets containing the bacteria. You can catch TB if you regularly breathe in these droplets over a long period of time. It can be treated with a long course of antibiotics but can be serious, particularly if not treated.

    A TB test for infectious TB in the lungs is part of the visa requirements for anyone coming to stay in the UK for 6 months or more if they are coming from certain countries where TB is common. However, the bacterium that causes TB can also lie dormant for many years – something known as latent TB. To detect people with latent TB infection, a testing and treatment programme is in place in higher incidence areas of England for new arrivals from higher incidence countries.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study of COVID-19 infection and abnormal brain proteins

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    An observational study published in Nature Medicine looks at a link between abnormal brain proteins and COVID-19 infection.

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

    “This paper from Duff and colleagues examined blood samples from 626 people who had COVID-19 infection and 626 people who did not have COVID-19 for markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease-related brain changes. The scientists compared the levels of several Alzheimer’s-associated blood proteins before and after the pandemic and found that one of the markers had worsened more in people who had COVID-19 infections than in people who were not infected with COVID-19. This study was very well conducted and adds to the data suggesting that infections may play a role in initiating or accelerating neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is important to note that this type of study cannot conclusively prove that COVID-19 directly caused Alzheimer’s pathology in the brain. Further, the presence of amyloid pathology in the brain, which is hinted at by the blood results, is not a guarantee of future dementia symptoms as many people have amyloid pathology in their brains without experiencing symptoms.  While this is an important piece of research, more work is needed to understand links between infections like COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.”

    ‘Plasma proteomic evidence for increased β-amyloid pathology after SARS-CoV-2 infection’ by Eugene P. Duff et al. was published in Nature Medicine at 10:00 UK time on Thursday 30th January. 

    DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03426-4

     

    Declared interests

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones: I have no direct conflicts with this study but I do work in the same National UK Dementia Research Institute as several of the authors and have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New report published highlighting the value of seabed mapping

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new report reveals the significant economic and environmental benefit of seabed mapping within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

    The report, developed by Eunomia Research & Consulting (Eunomia) defines the cost benefit relationship of seabed mapping to the UK economy. It highlights the potential benefits of seabed mapping in environmental conservation, compliance with legislation, and in varying maritime sectors like shipping, offshore energy, and coastal leisure.

    The report estimates that the average total benefits of seabed mapping in the UK EEZ is around £8.9 billion, compared to an estimated annual investment of £103 million each year. This represents a remarkable average estimate of cost benefit ratio of £86 benefit for every £1 spent.

    The majority of the value derived from seabed mapping efforts are from market sectors such as offshore energy and shipping, trades, and ports, with the remainder stemming from non-market sectors, such as environmental protection and legislative compliance.

    The importance of seabed mapping

    Seabed mapping has the potential to drive growth and innovation across a range of maritime sectors by improving navigational safety, supporting job creation and facilitating economic development.

    This data is critical to a range of maritime sectors and their associated value. For example, accurate seabed mapping is essential for the development of navigational charts to enable the safe passage of vessels and support maritime trade. Elsewhere, such data is critical for sectors like offshore energy, fishing and aquaculture, defence, and telecommunications, by identifying and surveying suitable sites for development.

    Beyond market applications, seabed mapping also contributes to environmental protection and marine resource management. This data helps establish conservation areas to protect marine habitats, while also monitoring levels of erosion and seabed landslides. In tandem, it plays a vital role in helping the UK government to comply with various regulations and legislations.

    Thanks to collective initiatives such as the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM), the UK has a coordinated approach to the collection and management of bathymetric and marine data. However, advancements in seabed mapping technologies in recent decades have allowed for a more comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the seafloor.

    Foundation data for maritime decisions

    With the maritime industry making up a vital part of the UK’s national infrastructure, the UKHO commissioned this project with the goal of improving the quality, access and coverage of seabed mapping data across the UK EEZ. This aligns with the UKHO’s goal to support maritime decision making and the safe passage of vessels at sea.

    David Parker, Head of Hydrographic Programmes, commented:

    Mapping the seabed isn’t just about uncovering what lies beneath our ocean’s surface – it is a foundation data set for supporting economic growth, protecting our vital ecosystems, and steering the maritime industry towards a safer, more sustainable future.

    We hope the findings of this report demonstrate the tangible value in having comprehensive, accurate mapping of the seabed for the many organisations in the UK that collect this data and rely upon it for responsible decision making.

    You can download and view the report using the link below:

    Cost Benefit Analysis of Seabed Mapping (PDF, 992 KB, 51 pages)

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Applications now open for OIT’s 2025 Policy Fellowship

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is inviting applications for its 2025 Policy Fellowship programme, an academic mentoring scheme for civil servants grades SEO-G6.

    The OIT is a cross-government unit that works with experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy, helping colleagues review evidence, engage experts, develop policy and evaluate impact.

    Our Policy Fellowship is a bespoke, flexible, part-time mentoring programme that supports officials by providing help and expert insight to answer a specific policy question. Over the course of six months, civil servants will work under the supervision of an academic mentor in a relevant field to research and produce an output based on their policy area. Mentors are drawn from OIT partner institutions: Brunel University London, the University of Essex, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey and the University of York.

    What you’ll gain:

    • In-depth support and insight from leading academics
    • New contacts across academia and the civil service
    • Practical skills in data analysis and interpretation
    • Enhanced subject knowledge in your chosen field

    This is the third round of the Fellowship – in 2023/24, nine civil servants from five different departments were paired with academics from four universities. An example of one of their research outputs can be found here.

    This year’s programme offers an expanded range of research topics, including (but not limited to) education, health & social care, AI and digital, environment and sustainability, government, and business, work and employment.

    The Policy Fellowship was a really insightful experience – it gave us the chance to test our ideas with academics and structure our research effectively. Regular check-ins kept us on track, and we delivered an internal report that supported our department’s policy work.

    It was great to collaborate beyond government and gain fresh perspectives from academics, who were really understanding and supportive. I’d recommend the fellowship to policy officials looking to fill evidence gaps—or even map them out!

    Georgina Kaye, Policy Advisor Digital Strategy Division, Digital Data and Technology, Department for Education

    How to apply:

    • The application window opens on 30 January and closes 24 February.
    • Full details about the Fellowship and the application process can be found in our Q&A pack, and you can email fellowship@openinnovation.gov.uk if you have any questions.

    Key documents:

    • Q&A pack – in this document you can learn more about the OIT and the Fellowship, along with eligibility criteria and all the information you’ll need to apply: [link needed]
    • Open Innovation Fellowship Application Form

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fire risk! City residents urged to dispose of batteries responsibly

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The council has seen an increase in the number of batteries put in household and recycling bins for collection and this can have dangerous consequences.

    Batteries can explode if damaged or crushed, causing fires which burn very quickly due to other waste in the bin and putting everything around them in danger.

    This can cause serious damage to bin lorries, delay collections and put the lives of those in the cab at risk.

    Batteries are found in a wide range of items including vapes, toothbrushes, toys, phones, laptops and even musical greeting cards.

    Residents across Wolverhampton are being urged to please dispose of their batteries correctly to avoid putting people in danger.

    The council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (Tips) at Shaw Road and Anchor Lane accept batteries, as do many supermarkets and shops.

    They can also be picked up for free under our small electricals collection service. Batteries need to be placed in a small clear plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag, and put on top of your household waste or recycling bin by 6.30am on your collection day. Bags need to be tied.

    Residents can find out about the service at Small electricals recycling.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This is a very serious issue for our waste crews and one that can be solved by people thinking before they dispose of their batteries, and other items which may contain them.

    “These types of battery fires spread rapidly and can damage refuse vehicles, but more importantly, can threaten the lives of our workers.

    “We need to send out a strong reminder to people of the importance of safe recycling. Please, please dispose of your batteries safely and think of the safety of others.”

    Figures released last year by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the campaign group Recycle Your Electricals showed that battery fires in bin lorries and at waste sites in the UK had reached an all time high.

    More than 1,200 fires were recorded in 2023, an increase of 71% from 700 in 2022. Their research also stated that 6bn batteries were thrown away in the last year, over 3,000 a minute.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Youth Justice Statistics: record lows in custody and first time entrants

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Youth Justice Annual Statistics for 2023 to 2024 were published today. There are fewer first time entrants and children in custody, but court delays remain a concern.

    The Youth Justice Statistics for 2023 to 24.

    The Youth Justice Statistics for England and Wales reveal a mix of promising trends and areas requiring urgent attention.

    Key findings include:

    • the number of children entering the system for the first time (first-time entrants (FTE)) fell to its lowest level on record (8,300)
    • stop and searches of children by the police decreased by 4% (103,100)
    • court sentences outnumbered Youth Cautions for the first time – 55% of FTEs received a sentence at court compared with 48% in the previous year – this marks an increasing shift toward diversion and alternative approaches to youth justice
    • the numbers of children in custody has fallen by 3% against the previous year and is the lowest number on record (430)
    • the average time from offence to court completion rose to 225 days, the highest on record, highlighting an ongoing challenge for the justice system and victims
    • while there were encouraging decreases in the numbers and proportions of Black children at various stages in the system, the proportion of Mixed ethnicity children in custody has doubled over the last 10 years
    • almost two-thirds (62%) of children remanded to youth detention accommodation did not go on to receive a custodial sentence, this raises significant concerns
    • The proven reoffending rate for children increased to 32.5%, a 0.3 percentage point increase on the previous year, while the number of children and the number of children who reoffended both increased for the first time in the last 10 years.
    • There were reductions in knife and weapon offences, a fall of 6% compared with the previous year and the sixth consecutive year-on-year decrease.

    In addition to the above findings, arrests of children remained stable, even as adult arrests increased by 8%. Despite widespread media coverage and the consequential public perception that children are responsible for a disproportionate amount of criminal activity, arrests of children accounted for just 8% of total arrests.

    There were reductions in knife and weapon offences, a fall of 6% compared with the previous year and the sixth consecutive year-on-year decrease. Although 20% higher than 10 years ago, this shows that local efforts to bring down offences involving weapons are having an impact.

    Court timeliness

    The average time it takes from offence to court completion has not bounced back and is on average 4 days longer than what we saw during the pandemic when there were court closures.

    This is very troubling because delays place a significant strain on children and victims who are looking to move forward in their lives and potentially delaying justice and delaying them from accessing the right support at the right time.

     We believe that the court system needs major changes. We’re working with the Crown Prosecution Service and HM Courts and Tribunals Service to advocate for the Child First framework, which focuses on creating fair and efficient processes for children, cutting down delays, and achieving better results for everyone involved.

    Tackling over-representation

    There were encouraging improvements in reducing the over-representation of children from Black and Mixed ethnicities. However, we must be clear, any over-representation is unacceptable.

    It is of particular concern that the proportion of children with a Mixed ethnicity in custody has doubled over the last decade. This is a stark reminder of the need for systemic reform.  

    We will continue to build partnerships, promote good practice and provide targeted support in community-based solutions such as through the London Accommodation Pathfinder (the LAP). The LAP prioritises boys of Black or Mixed  heritage facing remand to custody and supports them in a more appropriate and effective community setting.

    We continue to have significant concerns about the high use of remand, which means that hundreds of children experience the negative effects of custody and then go on to receive a community sentence, or no sentence at all. This creates additional trauma and exposure to criminality for the children, and also leads to unnecessary risk and costs for the general public.

    Keith Fraser, Chair of the Youth Justice Board, said:

    There are many positives within this report. The numbers of stop and searches and children entering the system for the first time fell once again after increasing in the previous year. The numbers of children in custody continued to fall, knife and weapon offences have reduced for the sixth consecutive year, and arrests and youth cautions/sentences have remained stable at a time when adult arrests rose by 8%.

    We must continue to build on these trends. The evidence tells us that the best way to prevent prolonged offending is to prevent bringing children into the justice system in the first place. This is the route to positive child outcomes, less crime, fewer victims and safer communities.

    I want to express my gratitude to everyone in the youth justice sector for their dedication and hard work. These reductions show that change is possible. Together, we can build on this momentum to ensure better outcomes for all children.

    Youth Justice Board media enquiries

    Youth Justice Board for England and Wales
    Clive House
    70 Petty France
    London
    SW1H 9EX

    Email comms@yjb.gov.uk

    For out-of-hours press queries 020 3334 3536

    Ends

    Notes to editors

    1. These statistics look at data for the youth justice system in England and Wales for the year ending March 2024 (where available). The publication considers the number of children (those aged 10 to 17) in the system, the offences they committed, the outcomes they received, their demographics and the trends over time.
    2. Youth Custody Statistics also incorporate young adults who have remained in the youth estate,
    3. In addition to the report, there is a summary infographic which highlights the main findings.
    4. This release includes dashboards showing local level data. The YJB does not comment on regional data or localised themes as often there are contexts specific to areas and communities which provide more valuable insight into local youth justice. The relevant local authority would be best placed to respond to requests for comment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Poverty relief charity under investigation for ‘high risk’ handling of funds

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into Iraqi Welfare Association.

    The charity regulator for England and Wales is investigating the Iraqi Welfare Association (IWA) about its use of ‘high-risk’ methods to transfer and spend funds. Wider serious concerns held by the regulator include possible unmanaged conflicts of interest, failing to file accounts on time, failure to adhere to the charity’s Governing Document and acting outside of the purposes the charity was registered with.

    The IWA was set up to relieve poverty amongst the Iraqi community, particularly through the provision of advice and interpreting services to Iraqi refugees. Its wider purposes include providing classes and training to the Iraqi community, to relieve sickness, and protect and preserve public health and provide facilities for recreation.

    The Commission started proactively engaging with the IWA to assess how the charity was managing risks associated with working in Iraq. Iraq is deemed a ‘high-risk’ country by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Its engagement continued due to the charity’s failure to submit accounts for four consecutive years (FYE 2019, 2022, 2021 and 2022).

    The engagement has been escalated to a statutory inquiry after it found the charity was transferring funds overseas using a ‘Hawala’ system. The regulator also found the charity’s director was using his personal bank account to make payments on behalf of the charity. Using a personal bank account and transfer methods outside the formal banking system poses a risk to possible loss or misuse of funds.

    The inquiry will also investigate potential conflicts of interest regarding decisions around salary payments and a contract with a connected private company.

    The inquiry will:

    • Consider the conduct of the trustees and their compliance with their legal duties and responsibilities
    • Determine whether the charity’s funds have been expended solely for charitable purposes in line with the charity’s stated objects.
    • Assess the administration, governance and management of the charity by its trustees.

    The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

    It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.   

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors:

    • The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.
    • On 17 January 2025, the Commission opened a statutory inquiry into Iraqi Welfare Association under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011.
    • A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.
    • Hawala is a system for moving funds, or their equivalent value, to a third party (‘the Hawala agent’) in another geographic location, where there may be no formal banking facilities, or limited access to them, without necessarily involving the formal banking system.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Cochrane review of the effectiveness of anti-depressants versus placebo for generalized anxiety disorder

    Source: United Kingdom – Science Media Centre

    A Cochrane review looks at the effectiveness of antidepressants for anxiety disorder. 

    Dr Gemma Lewis, Senior Research Associate in Psychiatric Epidemiology, University College London (UCL), said:

    “This is a high-quality piece of research, which combined data from 37 studies. This approach (meta-analysis) allows scientists to provide more precise estimates than just replying upon smaller individual studies. Meta-analyses are often considered the best way of informing guidelines for clinical practice. Importantly, the individual studies were generally of good quality too.

    “The authors only included Randomised placebo-controlled trials. This type of study is the best way of evaluating whether a treatment is effective. The randomised design eliminates the possibility of confounding.

    “One limitation of the data is that most studies only followed people for up to 12 weeks. In reality, we know that many people use antidepressants for much longer than this, often for several years. In the future, we need trials that follow people for longer periods. Another limitation of the data is that most studies only included people with a clinical diagnosis of anxiety, which is quite severe. In reality, many people are prescribed antidepressants in primary care for milder symptoms of anxiety as milder symptoms can still be debilitating.

    “GAD is the most common mental health problem, and it can be very debilitating. However, in research, and also perhaps clinically, it is often neglected, particularly when compared to depression. The antidepressants were generally well accepted by people who used them although some people of course experienced side effects, as is the case with most medications. These findings reinforce the usefulness of antidepressants for treating symptoms of anxiety as well as depression.”

    Prof Christiaan Vinkers, Department of Psychiatry and Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, said:

    “The Cochrane review confirms what science has long shown: antidepressants work for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), with SSRIs and SNRIs consistently outperforming placebo. Their effects are meaningful, with a low number needed to treat (NNT), and dropout rates are comparable to placebo. However, antidepressants continue to face disproportionate skepticism, whether it is for GAD or depression. If these results were for heart disease or diabetes treatments, they’d be celebrated. Instead, antidepressants are often unfairly stigmatized, fueling misinformation which can deter people from seeking treatment that can have added value. Antidepressants aren’t a cure-all, but they are an essential, effective tool. Let’s shift the narrative from fear to facts: science should guide treatment, not stigma.”

     

    Prof Katharina Domschke, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Germany, said:

    “This is a comprehensive, long awaited update on the efficacy of antidepressants versus placebo in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). 

    “SSRIs and SNRIs, the first line treatment options for anxiety disorders according to all international guidelines, were shown to have a significant benefit of a placebo. 

    “The study is methodologically strong, applied a conservative outcome measure (greater than 50% reduction in Hamilton Anxiety score), excluded regular benzodiazepine use and controlled for study quality. 

    “Limitations of the present study comprise its limitation to adult patients and the wide range of treatment duration (4 to 28 weeks). 

    “Interestingly and importantly, no difference in overall acceptability was discerned between antidepressants and placebo. 

    “The presently reported effect sizes are very convincing, particularly in light of a recent study by Bschor et al. in JAMA Psychiatry 2024 reporting very high pooled pre-post placebo effect sizes in pharmacological studies in GAD.

    “The present results are very important and ought to increase patients’ trust in the efficacy of pharmacological treatment of GAD. “

    Prof Peter Tyrer, Professor of Community Psychiatry, Imperial College London, said:

    “The findings of this review are unequivocal – antidepressants are effective in the treatment of generalised anxiety in the short-term.  But in responding to this evidence the long-term implications have to be considered also. Here the conclusions of efficacy have to be tempered. Long-term treatment, as noted in the review,  is often the norm,  and there is increasing concern that patients have difficulties in stopping antidepressants because of withdrawal problems. Bearing in mind that the main reason why antidepressants were preferred to benzodiazepines (drugs that are equally effective in treating generalised anxiety) was the dependence risk, we just seem to have shifted the problem of adverse effects from one class of drugs to another.  Brief resolution does not effect a cure”.

    ‘Antidepressants versus placebo for generalised anxiety disorder’ by Kopcalic et al. was published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews at 01:00 UK time on Thursday 30th January 2025.

    DOI: 10.1002.14651858.CD012942.pub2

    Declared interests:

    Prof Christiaan Vinkers “No COIs”

    Prof Katharina Domschke “None”

    Prof Peter Tyrer “None”

    For all other experts no response to or request for COIs was received

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK patients enabled access to transformative new medicines in shortest time possible via new, integrated Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    It is the only example globally of an end-to-end access pathway, where a medicine developer can work collaboratively with the national health system, the regulator, and health technology assessment bodies from the early stages of clinical development.

    Full details have been published today of the refreshed UK-wide Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP), that will offer a clearer, more streamlined and integrated process for developers to help get transformative new medicines to patients in the National Health Service (NHS) in the shortest time possible. 

    The new ILAP has been launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Health Technology Appraisal Bodies (the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC)) and the NHS.  

    It is the only example globally of an end-to-end access pathway, where a medicine developer can work collaboratively with the national health system, the regulator, and health technology assessment bodies from the early stages of clinical development.   The ILAP was first launched in January 2021 to offer developers of promising new medicines a single platform to collaborate with the MHRA and the UK Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies to accelerate the time taken for innovative medicines to get to patients.  

    The UK life sciences ecosystem within which the ILAP sits has since evolved. In response to feedback from stakeholders and the recommendations of the Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies Review, ILAP partners have worked together to refresh the pathway.  

    The ambition of this new pathway is to support the rapid development of transformative medicines that can be introduced into the NHS to address unmet clinical needs for patients and healthcare professionals at the earliest opportunity, without compromising on standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. 

    The new ILAP will bring a number of key improvements compared to the original pathway, including: 

    • Involving the NHS as a core partner, focused on operational planning and system preparedness for the introduction of innovative new medicines into the NHS for the benefit of patients. 

    • Better quality bespoke services through more selective entry and dialogue between the ILAP partner organisations and the developers. 

    • Predictable delivery timelines enabling developers to plan more effectively and engage with ILAP more productively.  

    • Early interaction with patients and the NHS to facilitate smoother routes for routine access and system-wide adoption. 

    • A single point of contact provided for each product. 

    • Future proofing to help accelerate access to transformational products by including support for drug-device combinations. 

     The ILAP partners will be taking an iterative approach, allowing the pathway to be refined, adapted and improved over time in response to an evolving life sciences landscape, and patient and stakeholder feedback.  

    Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive said:  

    “It is exciting now to share the full details of the refreshed ILAP, which will help to get transformative medicines to the NHS more quickly.   

    “This new ILAP is clearer, more streamlined and joined up than its predecessor, making the UK a more attractive place to develop and launch innovative products and, most importantly, helping to get transformative medicines to the patients who need them in the shortest possible time. 

    “This is a great example of how collaboration with our healthcare partners, industry and patients can help us refine and refresh our services and deliver world-leading services for the benefit of public health.” 

    Fiona Bride, NHS England’s Interim Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Medicines Value and Access, said:   

    “NHS England is delighted to be a core partner in the new Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway, which will accelerate cutting-edge medicines into the hands of frontline NHS clinicians for the benefit of their patients. 

    “We are committed to collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry and other healthcare system partners to take the opportunity this world-first end-to-end medicines pathway creates, strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in medical innovation.” 

    Professor James Coulson, AWTTC Clinical Director said: 

    “AWTTC are delighted to continue its collaboration with our ILAP partners and look forward to working together on the refreshed pathway. 

    “ILAP has the potential to deliver timely, effective, and innovative medicines to our patients. We will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to ensure these goals are achieved.” 

    Dr Sam Roberts, Chief Executive of NICE said:  

    “The launch of this revised offer marks a significant milestone for the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP).

    “As an organisation committed to getting the best care to people fast, we welcome any initiative that helps developers get transformative medicines into the NHS. The collaboration between partner organisations, industry and patients has really helped shape this new offer, and so we look forward to continuing this close working and delivering the ambitions of the ILAP.” 

    Dr Scott Muir, SMC Chair said: 

    “SMC is pleased to be an active participant in the ILAP, representing the NHS in Scotland. 

    “We will continue to work together with our ILAP partners to enable clinically and cost effective, new and innovative medicines to reach patients more quickly.” 

    Dr Richard Torbett the CEO from ABPI said: 

    “The ABPI is pleased to see the launch of the new ILAP offer which we hope will result in the delivery of rapid integration of the most innovative new medicines, through a synergised path from regulation, HTA and subsequent NHS adoption.

    “The principles that underpin ILAP have broader application for a strong UK life sciences ecosystem. The ABPI stands ready to support the development of measurable markers of success and to actively contribute to the plans to evolve the pathway in the future.” 

    To be eligible for the ILAP, applicants must submit medicines that have not yet entered their confirmatory trial, which will give more opportunity to benefit from the support offered within the pathway.  

    Entry to the ILAP is open to both commercial or non-commercial developers (UK based or global) and will open to new applications in March 2025. 

    Further information about the ILAP and how to apply can be found on the MHRA website.

    Notes to editors 

    The ILAP is a UK-wide initiative, comprising the following partners: 

    Supporting partners include: 

    • Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) 

    • Department of Health Northern Ireland 

    • National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) 

    • Office for Life Sciences (OLS) 

    • Scottish Government 

    • Welsh Government

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia continues to cause immense civilian suffering in Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ambassador Holland condemns the civilian suffering caused by Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and indiscriminate attacks on cities.

    Thank you, Mr. Chair.  It has been six weeks since the Council last discussed this agenda item.  During these six weeks, regrettably, Russia has continued the same pattern of behaviour we have seen for almost three years.  A pattern of behaviour that is indefensible and inconsistent with Russia’s international commitments, including under the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions and the Helsinki Final Act.

    On 25 December, a day of significance for many Christians in Ukraine, Russia launched a massive missile attack against energy infrastructure, killing an energy worker, and leaving hundreds of thousands in the Dnipro and Kharkiv regions without heating for days.

    Ukrainians had to endure 13 widescale missile attacks against their energy infrastructure in 2024. Not only has this threatened civilian access to power, water and heating over winter, but by targeting transmission equipment critical to the safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants, Russia has posed serious threats to nuclear safety as well.

    We have already seen the first such attack of 2025, with Russia hitting sites primarily in the west of Ukraine, including gas storage facilities on 15 January.

    The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that these attacks on energy infrastructure constituted the war crime of excessive incidental civilian harm and potentially a crime against humanity.

    It is not just these attacks that raise serious concerns about Russia’s respect for its obligations under international humanitarian law.  The UN has also raised concerns about Russia’s indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population.

    During our recess, on 8 January, a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia city caused the highest number of civilian casualties from a single incident for almost two years.  Two Russian glide bombs struck a crowd outside an industrial facility, killing 13 civilians and injuring 110.  The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said: “It was entirely foreseeable that using such weapons in a city during the day would result in significant civilian casualties … It is hard to see how this attack could be in compliance with the obligation to minimise civilian harm.”

    The UN estimates that there have been more than 30,000 civilian casualties since the Russian state launched its unprovoked war.  Approximately 10,500 killed and more than 20,000 injured.  These are a conservative estimate.  The true figure is likely far higher.

    2024 was a difficult year for Ukraine with attacks against the civilian population and its energy infrastructure.  And Russia has started 2025 in the same vein.  And just as we did in 2024, the UK will stand with Ukraine in 2025 and beyond. This unbreakable bond was formalised earlier this month through the signing of a landmark UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership.  We will continue to give political, economic, military and moral support to ensure Ukraine prevails, to secure the lasting peace that the Ukrainian people deserve and the security that our continent demands.  Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –