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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing boost for North East communities as Combined Authority deepens strategic ties with Homes England

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Housing ambitions to support people across the North East boosted by Strategic Place Partnership between local leaders and national agency

    Credit: North East Combined Authority

    North East Combined Authority (NECA) and Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, have signed a Strategic Place Partnership that will support the region to realise its housing ambitions.

    Teams from NECA and the Agency will work together for the long-term to unlock locally-led plans to create new homes within thriving places for people across the region.

    This includes drawing on Homes England expertise and resources, including land, legal powers and funding, underpinned by the development of a shared business plan aligned to local priorities

    The agreement deepens existing local-national partnership working between NECA, North East local authorities and the Agency, with funding and expertise already supporting a range of projects including Forth Yards in Newcastle3 and West Park in Sunderland4.

    Mayor of the North East Kim McGuinness said:

    Everyone in the North East deserves a place they are proud to call home, and that is why I have made housing a key plank of my plans as Mayor. Indeed, this announcement follows closely from the news we have invested £4.5m to support the regeneration of Horden in East Durham5.

    Signing the Strategic Place Partnership with Homes England will allow us to take some of our biggest brownfield sites and turn them from eyesores into the homes and communities people need.

    It’s an opportunity to turbocharge development across the region by working with the Agency and our local authorities to create new homes that are affordable, energy efficient, and where people can thrive.

    Homes England Chief Executive Peter Denton said:

    A strategic place partnership isn’t a ceremonial bit of paper. It signals a long-term commitment where regional and national teams work together for the benefit of communities, to achieve the visions of local leaders who understand what people local to the area want and need to thrive.

    My colleagues and I are excited to deepen our ties with the combined authority to help accelerate progress. We are united by a passion to get things done in the right way, in the right places, to help ensure successful, sustainable regeneration and more affordable, quality home for thousands of people in the North East.

    The Agency is proud to be supporting NECA to achieve its housing vision through the SPP, with similar partnerships in place with regional authorities including South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    About Homes England

    Homes England is the government’s homes and regeneration agency. We drive the creation of more high-quality homes and thriving places so that everyone – no matter their background – has a place to live and thrive. We work in partnership with thousands of public and private bodies including local authorities, home builders, developers, affordable housing providers, commercial real estate companies  and financial institutions to make this happen. For more information visit: Homes England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    About North East Combined Authority

    The North East Combined Authority (North East CA) was formed on 7 May 2024. It is led by Elected Mayor Kim McGuinness and the Cabinet and covers the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.  For more information visit http://www.northeast-ca.gov.uk

    Homes England acquires Quayside West as part of wider Newcastle regeneration – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Sunderland residents set to benefit from new homes after fresh investment supports city centre regeneration plans – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Mayor makes first steps to deliver new generation of social housing with County Durham investment (northeast-ca.gov.uk)

    Attached pictures caption: Mayor of the North East Kim McGuinness and Homes England Chief Executive Peter Denton launched a new partnership agreement between the organisations during a visit to the Newcastle Training Hub for bricklaying and groundworker apprenticeships.

    Contact information

    For further information, imagery or interview requests please contact media@HomesEngland.gov.uk or 0207 874 8262.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Provost Bill Campbell Blog #28

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Hello and welcome to my End of Month Blog #28 as the Lord Provost of Dundee.

    After having taken time off from carrying out events in August due ill health, from the beginning of September I returned to active duties and seen some of the fantastic activities and events taking place in the city.

    Activities over September included:

    • On Thursday 5th, I attended the Consular Corps in Scotland Summer event in Edinburgh. I was very keen to attend this event to meet with the many Consuls based in Scotland, some of whom I had previously met, and some of whom this event facilitated me meeting some of the recently appointed Consuls for the first time. Events such as this allow me to carry out part of my duties as Lord Provost which include promoting Dundee internationally;
    • I attended the Annual Dundee Submarine Memorial Service at the Dundee International Submarine Memorial on Saturday 7th. I laid a wreath during the Service on behalf of the City and followed on to a reception at the Apex Hotel where I spoke with representatives from the Royal Navy, Dutch and French Navies, and Officers from Dundee Sea & Royal Marines Cadets;
    • On Sunday 8th, Depute Lord Provost Kevin Cordell attended and officially opened the 2024 Dundee Cyclathon. This was the landmark 20th anniversary of the Cyclathon;
    • Following an invite from a Modern Studies 1st Year class at St Paul’s RC Academy, I took part in a Question & Answer session on the role of Lord Provost of Dundee on Wednesday 11th. I was delighted to visit the class and take part in the Q&A which was a very enjoyable experience with wide-ranging and very interesting questions put to me;
    • On Thursday 12th, I attended the Order of Malta’s 2024 Scottish Mass and Investiture at St Margaret’s Chapel which is situated not far from the Meadows area in Edinburgh. I was honoured to be invited to attend and following the Mass, there were Order of Merit presentations of medals to Scots who had assisted with work over many years;
    • The Lady Provost and I attended the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee Glovers Dinner & Annual General Meeting on Friday 13th at the Woodlands Hotel. I have been honoured to have been regularly associated with The Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee since becoming Lord Provost and am I hugely appreciative of their support. As Lord Provost, I was part of a Q&A event at this Dinner;
    • On Saturday 14th, the Lady Provost and I attended a service in the Congregational Church in Dundee to lay up the previous Standard for The War Widows Association and welcome in the new Standard. I had the great honour of making a speech during the Service in the Congregational Church;
    • The Lady Provost and I attended a performance of Snake in the Grass at Dundee Rep on Wednesday 18th. This was a superb performance from an amazing cast and we were engrossed in this play from start to finish;
    • On Thursday 19th, I was delighted to be asked to give a welcome speech and present the 25 Year Long Service Awards to employees of Tayside Contracts at this year’s Tayside Contracts Long Service Recognition Ceremony in the City Chambers;
    • I was very grateful to be invited by David Dorward, MBE, DL to attend the fifth birthday event on the evening of Thursday 19th for Launch It (Dundee) who support enterprising young founders and is based in Kandahar House in the city centre. David, as the chairperson, very kindly showed me around the facilities and I had the opportunity to meet with a number of current and former attendees;
    • On Saturday 21st, I attended the 140th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner for the Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association (YeAABA) which was formed in 1884. This was a superb event held at Forbes of Kingennie with special stories, awards and great conviviality with the very large attendance contributing to an excellent atmosphere. I was delighted to be asked to make a speech at this event. My congratulations to YeAABA on reaching this magnificent milestone;
    • I attended the Dundee Design Festival at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) on Sunday 22nd. I was delighted to be invited for a preview of Scotland’s National Festival of Contemporary Design which showcased the work of over 180 Scottish designers and design companies. MSIP provided a stunning backdrop to this amazing festival which I hugely enjoyed;
    • On the morning of Wednesday 25th, I had the pleasure of providing a Civic Welcome in the City Chambers to a group of just over 20 visitors from the Isle of Lewis as part of their visit to Dundee and Fife. They arrived at the Civic Floor for a Civic Tour and I was delighted to greet them all individually on behalf of the City as well as exchange gifts;
    • On the afternoon of Wednesday 25th, I took the Citizenship Ceremony in the Committee Rooms in City Square;
    • On the afternoon of Thursday 26th, I gave a Civic Reception to the Salvation Army in Dundee in the City Chambers;
    • Depute Lord Provost Kevin Cordell welcomed the Scottish Ambulance Service to the City Chambers for their Awards Ceremony on the evening of Thursday 26th;
    • The Lady Provost and I attended the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee Biennial Dinner on Friday 27th where I replied to a toast to the City of Dundee. This was an evening celebrating Raymond Edwards’ successful term as Deacon Convener and the impressive heritage of the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee and how they contribute to the city;
    • I attended an event at Holyrood marking the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday 28th of which included an address by His Majesty The King and an introduction by the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. The celebration also included music from the Gaelic Cóisir Alba from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a performance from over 90 young people brought together by Sistema Scotland.

    Outwith the events outlined above, this was a very busy month of activities which included a number of visits to the capital and a variety of meetings and additional events held within the city.

    For updates as they occur, you can find the latest Lord Provost news and activities on both Facebook and Twitter/X.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my Blog.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Northern Ireland: Journalists, lawyers and NGOs urged to make surveillance concerns known to KC-led investigation 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    One week left to respond to Angus McCullough KC call for evidence

    ‘We now need answers to wider questions about the full extent of police use and misuse of secret surveillance powers in Northern Ireland. The McCullough Review can help provide those answers.’ – Patrick Corrigan 

    Journalists, lawyers and activists in Northern Ireland who suspect they have been spied on by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) should make a complaint to the McCullough Review before the October 18 deadline, Amnesty International said today.

    The McCullough Review is an independent inquiry into PSNI surveillance of journalists, lawyers, non-governmental organisations and police oversight bodies, led by London lawyer Angus McCullough KC. The review was commissioned by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher after campaigners raised concerns following evidence disclosed at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal pointed to potential widespread use of covert surveillance powers by the police.

    The call for evidence issued by McCullough has a deadline of 5pm on Friday 18 October 2024 and Amnesty is encouraging affected parties to contact the review before the cut-off date.

    Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Director of Amnesty International, and a member of the McCullough Review group of experts and stakeholders, said:

    “The evidence disclosed to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal investigating spying on Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney has pointed to worrying surveillance practices by the PSNI in relation to journalists, lawyers and the office of the Police Ombudsman.

    “We now need answers to wider questions about the full extent of police use and misuse of secret surveillance powers in Northern Ireland. The McCullough Review can help provide those answers.

    “It is important that anyone who falls within the remit of the review and has information or evidence that they may have been subject to covert surveillance by the PSNI contacts McCullough.

    “It will also be crucial for former or serving police officers to bring what they know to this investigation. The Chief Constable has already committed to full cooperation with this review and we would encourage anyone with evidence to make it known via the confidential questionnaire on the McCullough Review website.

    “While this review does not have all the powers of a statutory public inquiry – and we may still need such an inquiry – it can play a hugely important role in shining a light on hitherto shadowy practices and point to potential breaches of human rights of surveillance targets.”

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New research promises to connect the dots around marine microbiome A major European research project which aims to harness the full potential of the marine microbiome has entered a new stage.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Photo credit:Tabitha Turner on unsplashA major European research project which aims to harness the full potential of the marine microbiome has entered a new stage.
    A microbiome is the community of microorganisms that can usually be found living together in any given habitat. The marine microbiome is one of the fastest growing segments of the so-called ‘blue bioeconomy’, and its study is vital for the discovery, understanding, protection and use of ocean resources. 
    The BlueRemediomics project, which was awarded funding through the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme, involves researchers from a range of universities and research organisations worldwide, including Professors Abbe Brown and Marcel Jaspars, from the University’s School of Law and Department of Chemistry respectively. 
    Professor Jaspars is leading the use of genomic data for the discovery of new antimicrobial peptides (part of the innate immune response found among all classes of life) to target bacterial infections. 
    Meanwhile, Professor Brown is exploring innovative legal and policy approaches to improving access, protection, and governance of marine genetic resources and intellectual property rights. 
    This month, the completion of the 15-month long Traversing European Coastlines (TREC) expedition marks the beginning of an exciting research phase that involves the analysis of 23,000 marine samples and 70,000 terrestrial samples, providing new opportunities to study human impact on coastal ecosystems in unprecedented detail. 
    For the BlueRemediomics project, which aims to develop novel tools and approaches to explore marine microbiome data, these samples will provide critical insights into the search for novel products and cosmeceuticals derived from valuable marine bioresources. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: One day until Dinosaur Trail takes over city centre

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    An exciting new dinosaur trail is set to roar into Aberdeen’s city centre tomorrow.  

    Local businesses taking part gathered today to mark one day until the Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail begins, a two-week event from 12th to 27th October with free parking available in two city centre car parks. 

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “We are delighted to welcome the Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail into Aberdeen throughout the school holidays. 

    “This is set to be an exciting trail that all ages can follow and I would like to extend my thanks to all the businesses involved. There are lots of ways to access the city centre, including free weekend parking in certain places.”  

    Education and Children’s Services Convener Councillor Martin Greig said: “The Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail is a great way for families to come together to explore and enjoy our vibrant city centre. 

    “This will hopefully be a fun and memorable experience that will encourage people to make the most of their city centre throughout the year.”

    Visitors and locals will be able to discover 18 brick dinosaur models located in various city centre businesses, including a Stegosaurus, Triceratops and adorable baby dinosaurs. 

    Participants will be able to get an insight into how each model is made and learn more about the creations, including how many bricks were used to build the model and learn a fun dinosaur fact. 

    There will also be a Hidden Lego Minifigure Trail, where small Lego figures have been hidden across ten shop windows around the Upperkirkgate and Belmont Street area for people of all ages to find in a treasure-hunt style challenge. 

    Once each minifigure is found, there is the chance to enter into a prize draw to win an Aberdeen Gift Card worth £20. 

    Additional activities including dinosaur-themed bookbug and storytelling sessions will take place throughout the October Holidays in businesses hosting the trail.  

    The Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail has received £30,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

    Free weekend parking will be available in the Denburn and Frederick Street car parks throughout the October holidays and the first weekend in November. Parking for £1 will be available after 5pm at Virginia Street, the Gallowgate, Frederick Street, Summer Street, Chapel Street, West North Street, and the Denburn. Normal charging rates will resume from 8am. 

    For more information on the event and travelling into the city centre, visit our website. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS Pay

    Source: Scottish Government

    Pay increase formally offered to Resident Doctors

    An incremental pay increase offered to Resident Doctors, formerly known as Junior Doctors, and Dentists in Training will ensure NHS Scotland remains an attractive place to work and train in, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.

    If accepted by trade union members, the investment of more than £64 million in 2024-25 will see an 8.5% pay increase backdated to 1 April 2024, with a further 2.3% increase applied from 1 October 2024. 

    The offer will make significant progress towards tackling pay erosion and is in line with the shared aims of the multi-faceted 2023-24 pay deal, which included commitments to contract reform and work on a pay bargaining review mechanism.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “Following weeks of constructive engagement with BMA Scotland, I am pleased to have agreed a pay offer that will ensure that our Resident Doctors, and Dentists in Training continue to feel valued while allowing NHS Scotland to remain the place of choice for them to work and train in.

    “I want to express my thanks again to Scotland’s hardworking Resident Doctors, and Dentists in Training. I am pleased we have been able to work together to honour the agreement from 2023-24, with this offer making significant progress towards resolving pay erosion.

    “I am grateful for the continued efforts around the table and, with the unions now consulting their members, I hope it will be accepted.”

    BACKGROUND

    This pay deal represents a £64.1 million investment and means a doctor at the start of their career will receive a salary increase of £3,418 in 2024-25. For those at the end of their training, the rise will be £7,088 over the same period. 

    The starting salary for a Dentist in Training will increase by £4,239 in 2024-25. For those at the end of their training, the rise will be £5,902 over the same period. 

    New 2024-25 Pay Scales

    Resident Doctors

     

    Pay Point

    Pay Scale 2023/24

    Pay Scale  01 April 2024

    % Uplift

    £ Uplift

    Pay Scale  01 October 2024

    % Uplift

    £ Uplift

    Cumulative % increase

    Total £ Increase

    Foundation year 1

    0

    £31,082

    £33,724

    8.5%

    £2,642

    £34,500

    2.3%

    £776

    11%

    £3,418

    Foundation year 1

    1

    £33,024

    £35,831

    8.5%

    £2,807

    £36,655

    2.3%

    £824

    11%

    £3,631

    Foundation year 1

    2

    £34,964

    £37,936

    8.5%

    £2,972

    £38,808

    2.3%

    £873

    11%

    £3,844

    Foundation year 2

    0

    £38,553

    £41,830

    8.5%

    £3,277

    £42,792

    2.3%

    £962

    11%

    £4,239

    Foundation year 2

    1

    £41,075

    £44,566

    8.5%

    £3,491

    £45,591

    2.3%

    £1,025

    11%

    £4,516

    Foundation year 2

    2

    £43,597

    £47,303

    8.5%

    £3,706

    £48,391

    2.3%

    £1,088

    11%

    £4,794

    Doctors in training

    0

    £40,995

    £44,480

    8.5%

    £3,485

    £45,503

    2.3%

    £1,023

    11%

    £4,508

    Doctors in training

    1

    £43,504

    £47,202

    8.5%

    £3,698

    £48,287

    2.3%

    £1,086

    11%

    £4,783

    Doctors in training

    2

    £47,007

    £51,003

    8.5%

    £3,996

    £52,176

    2.3%

    £1,173

    11%

    £5,169

    Doctors in training

    3

    £49,126

    £53,302

    8.5%

    £4,176

    £54,528

    2.3%

    £1,226

    11%

    £5,402

    Doctors in training

    4

    £51,680

    £56,073

    8.5%

    £4,393

    £57,362

    2.3%

    £1,290

    11%

    £5,682

    Doctors in training

    5

    £54,235

    £58,845

    8.5%

    £4,610

    £60,198

    2.3%

    £1,353

    11%

    £5,963

    Doctors in training

    6

    £56,793

    £61,620

    8.5%

    £4,827

    £63,038

    2.3%

    £1,417

    11%

    £6,245

    Doctors in training

    7

    £59,384

    £64,432

    8.5%

    £5,048

    £65,914

    2.3%

    £1,482

    11%

    £6,530

    Doctors in training

    8

    £61,903

    £67,165

    8.5%

    £5,262

    £68,710

    2.3%

    £1,545

    11%

    £6,807

    Doctors in training

    9

    £64,461

    £69,940

    8.5%

    £5,479

    £71,549

    2.3%

    £1,609

    11%

    £7,088

    Dentists in Training

    Pay Point

    Pay Scale 2023/24

    Pay Scale  01 April 2024

    % Uplift

    £ Uplift

    Pay Scale  01 October 2024

    % Uplift

    £ Uplift

    Cumulative % increase

    Total £ Increase

    Min

    38,553

    £41,830

    8.5%

    £3,277

    £42,792

    2.3%

    £962

    11%

    £4,239

    1

    41,075

    £44,566

    8.5%

    £3,491

    £45,591

    2.3%

    £1,025

    11%

    £4,516

    2

    43,597

    £47,303

    8.5%

    £3,706

    £48,391

    2.3%

    £1,088

    11%

    £4,794

    3

    46,117

    £50,037

    8.5%

    £3,920

    £51,188

    2.3%

    £1,151

    11%

    £5,071

    4

    48,638

    £52,772

    8.5%

    £4,134

    £53,986

    2.3%

    £1,214

    11%

    £5,348

    5

    51,158

    £55,506

    8.5%

    £4,348

    £56,783

    2.3%

    £1,277

    11%

    £5,625

    6

    53,679

    £58,242

    8.5%

    £4,563

    £59,581

    2.3%

    £1,340

    11%

    £5,902

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Keyham gardens fully restored by Plymouth’s construction industry

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Work to repair the boundary walls and back gardens for three homes in Keyham, following the bomb incident earlier this year has been completed. 

    As part of the ongoing support Plymouth City Council has given residents most impacted by the Keyham bomb incident in February, the Council called on the support of the local construction industry to repair the damage left behind by the Army. 

    Building Plymouth is an award winning, Council-led partnership with the construction industry. With nearly 70 member organisations, they engage with clients, contractors, consultants and the supply chain and have delivered a number of successful community initiatives to help improve the quality of life in the city. 

    As a gesture of goodwill, Building Plymouth arranged for local contractors, consultants and suppliers to work together to help repair the damage that was left in the gardens after the incident. Over recent months, eighteen local companies volunteered their time, materials and equipment equivalent value to £40,000 in-kind to support residents in Keyham who’s properties were damaged by the army during the efforts to remove the unexploded bomb.   

    The first phase of the repair works involved repairing the boundary line at the rear of the properties – rebuilding the walls, erecting fencing and installing new back gates in order to make the area fully secure. The second phase of the works was to restore two gardens located either side of where the bomb was safely removed. This included creating new garden designs, laying the new decking, installing steps and fencing, reinstating destroyed masonry, as well as creating a stylish pergola.   

    Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of our construction industry. They have stepped in and helped these homeowners and their work has truly been outstanding. The gardens have not only been restored, but the craftmanship and skills shown have been second to none.  

    “Whilst it is not the Council’s role to pay for repairs to private properties following an emergency, together with Building Plymouth we have done everything we can to support the homeowners in Keyham. I would like to thank all the construction companies who have given their time, materials, equipment, collectively providing £40,000 in-kind support. You are a credit to Plymouth.”  

    One of the homeowners, Martyn Hammond, said: “The quality of work is outstanding! It didn’t feel like too much trouble and they listened to what I had previously and went over and above to reinstate my garden. I feel so happy to have my garden back again, considering back in February when this area was like a big sack of sand and now, I’m getting my plants restocked and am back in my happy place to sit and chill again. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped to make this happen.” 

    Resident Lee Elliott added: “We can’t express our gratitude enough to the skilled workforce who have been here to help us – the quality of work is top quality, the carpentry is out of this world, everything has gone to regulation with no corners cut. It was a kind freebie but everyone has completely gone above and beyond! Thank you to everyone involved particularly Obedair Construction who stepped in to help restore our garden and exceeded our expectation and the Award Group for doing our boundary fencing and back gate installation to give back our privacy. We have finally got our little sanctuary back.” 

    Steve Warren-Brown, Managing Director from YGS Landscapes who acted as overall managing contractor on the garden projects, said: “Working brilliantly together as a team of volunteers through the Building Plymouth partnership has delivered a positive legacy after such a traumatic experience for three affected residents. As a local landscaping contractor, we knew we should play our part in helping to recover the Keyham gardens and it has been amazing to see so many construction friends stepping up to help. Thank you to everyone involved, this is another fantastic team effort coordinated through Emma Hewitt’s inspiring leadership of our Building Plymouth partnership.” 

    Emma Hewitt, Building Plymouth Lead for Plymouth City Council, said: “It has been a real privilege to get to know the residents through leading this garden recovery project and am delighted that we have exceeded their expectations. We couldn’t have made this happen without the generosity of the local construction industry. I continue to be so proud of what we achieve together through Building Plymouth, a huge thank you to everyone involved.”   

    Many of the contractors who gave their time for free.

    The companies involved in this project were:    

    • YGS Landscapes – the landscaping contractor managing design and delivery of the overall project and installation of the decking and steps in one garden 
    • Travis Perkins Plymouth – supplying building and landscaping materials for the entire boundary line and two gardens reinstatement  
    • Foot Anstey – providing legal advice and drafting the memorandum of understanding for residents to agree to the scope of works being offered  
    • Airey and Coles – undertaking the structural assessment of remaining stone wall and providing the design and advice of delivering the new boundary line  
    • South West Highways – providing advice on highways and ensuring traffic management and resident communications 
    • Gilpin Demolition – dismantling of the existing boundary wall to make the structure safe ahead of the works 
    • Award Group – erecting fencing and installing the new back gates  
    • The Plym Group – erecting blockwork and repairing stonewall damage 
    • Obedair Construction – delivered one complete back garden including laying the new decking, installation of steps, reinstating destroyed masonry, as well as building a pergola 
    • Richard Harding Ltd – provided carpentry services to help deliver one of the back gardens  
    • Arborcure – installed the specialist fencing in one garden  
    • Red Air Media – filming onsite to track the progress of the community project 
    • Jewson – providing the free hire of a micro digger and mixer 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: VDEC Pre-clinical team helps to develop organ-on-a-chip to protect human health

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists at VDEC use ‘organ-on-a-chip’ models to study infections and immune responses, aiming to improve vaccine testing and reduce reliance on animal research.

    Executive summary

    Scientists are constantly trying to improve the use and efficiency of models in research. As such, they are exploring a move away from traditional tissue or whole-body models. This move is proving to be a successful route to protecting human health against a variety of pathogens.

    Target

    The Pre-clinical team at UKHSA’s Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC) has developed an expanding capability in the use of microphysiological systems (MPS), an example of this are the ‘organ-on-a-chip’ models.

    Essentially, we can grow a range of different cell types in 3D structures that represent tissues and mimic human organs in miniature chambers supplied with very small volumes of growth medium (a substitute for human blood). Although we started out simply by infecting these systems with various strains of pathogens, we are now developing the ability to introduce parts of the human immune system as well so that we can model and understand how our bodies fight infectious disease and how we can enhance or supplement that protection.

    Aims

    Understanding the correlates of protection for new and emerging coronaviruses is at the forefront of science strategy around the world. The pandemic potential of coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) has been proven in recent years. Understanding how they evolve, and impact humans is of utmost importance. Once we can understand how this works, we are then able to (or we then have another method to) test the efficacy of vaccines against evolving variants.

    One model that highlights the importance of developing such systems is the adaptation of human alveolus MPS. The SARS-CoV-2 infection model described here (1) replicates the breathing-like stretch observed in lung epithelial cells and other biochemical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection, allowing this to be used as a successful model of infection in live human tissue.

    Options

    An additional future benefit of this cutting-edge research is that it should help to reduce our reliance on animal research. Although that is a long-term view, it may also be possible that by increasing the complexity of the MPS models and analytical tools we use to interrogate them, we may one day be able to replace some aspects of animal research in medical research.

    Outcome

    Working alongside the teams that are developing and testing the MPS technology are teams using established challenge models, allowing direct comparison of human tissue replicating a whole organ system. The team at VDEC currently have 2 human lung-on-chip models. The first, a human bronchial airway and the second, human alveolus. Both models have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 in order to investigate the effect of this virus against various lung tissue types. A ‘non-breathing’ lung-on-chip alveolus model has also successfully been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, allowing characterisation of the differences between severe coronavirus infections.

    Future work

    Leading on from the success of the SARS-CoV-2 MPS, further work to develop a MPS model that can rival the current ‘gold standard’ MERS model is currently being carried out by the team at VDEC. This could provide clear evidence that MPS models are equally as effective as current models, refining the process of challenge studies across the board. We are working to extend the range of tissue types available for testing, for example working with brain and gut (2), as well as lung tissue to investigate movement of virus from organ to organ or to study difficult-to-study syndromes like long COVID or premature ageing.

    The team is also pivoting transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing as well as sophisticated histopathological techniques to analyse these tiny samples. This means we will be able to detect small changes in the biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology of infected human cells very early on in the infection process to help us test new ways to protect humans. We have begun countermeasure testing antiviral drugs but intend to include vaccines testing as well using MPS technology, with a view to provide an alternate approach to certain aspects of human clinical trials. MPS-based technologies could allow detection of uniquely human issues with vaccine or therapeutic candidates ahead of human clinical trials, which could add an early ‘go’ or ‘no-go’ step as well as saving money downstream.

    The use of MPS technology also allows our scientists to study infections from a new standpoint, as various environmental or immunological elements can be added or removed to investigate their impact. An example of this is that lung tissue can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of individual immune cell populations to help us reveal and understand the significance of their roles in disease and recovery.

    At VDEC we are at the forefront of this exciting technology, pushing its potential to the limits of human disease research and therapeutics for the benefit of public health.

    Download this case study as a PDF

    References

    1. Šuligoj, Tanja and Coombes, Naomi S and Booth, Catherine and Savva, George M and Bewley, Kevin R and Funnell, Simon GP and Juge, Nathalie. ‘Modelling SARS-CoV-2 infection in a human alveolus microphysiological system’. Access Microbiology (2024). 6:9.

    2. Jones EJ, Skinner BM, Parker A, Baldwin LR, Greenman J, Carding SR and Funnell SGP. ‘An in vitro multi-organ microphysiological system (MPS) to investigate the gut-to-brain translocation of neurotoxins’. Biomicrofluidics (2024). Sep 13;18(5):054105. doi: 10.1063/5.0200459. PMID: 39280192; PMCID: PMC11401645.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2024: UK closing statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Deputy Ambassador Brown says that progress on democracy and fundamental freedoms cannot be taken for granted at this time of shrinking civil space and growing authoritarianism.

    Location:
    Warsaw
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, everyone.

    As we reach the end of the third Chair’s Warsaw Human Dimension Conference in three years, I would like to thank Malta as our Chair in Office for holding this meeting and enabling government officials, civil society, international experts and human rights activists to come together to take stock of how participating States are implementing their human dimension commitments.  

    The opportunity to take stock is why all participating States agreed to an annual meeting in this format in the early 1990s. We again condemn Russia’s decision to block the mandated Human Dimension Implementation Meeting and call on the Russian Federation to stop their illegal war; withdraw their troops from Ukraine; cease their malign activities, including disinformation; and, respect OSCE principles and commitments.

    Thank you, Tea, and your teams at ODIHR for preparing and delivering this meeting and for the work you do throughout the year to help us all in the implementation of our commitments. That ODIHR has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize is recognition of your vital daily work.  Like others I am waiting in excited anticipation to hear the news from Oslo.  

    I salute those of you who have spoken in plenary sessions and side events over the past fortnight. We have heard about the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and systematic dismantling of rights and freedoms at home too. We have also heard about challenges to human rights and democracy in other parts of our region, reminding us that work to uphold our shared human dimension commitments is always required, and that progress cannot be taken for granted at this time of shrinking civil space and growing authoritarianism.     

    We have again been struck by the expertise and bravery of civil society organisations during this meeting. It is they who represent citizens and they that record and report violations at grassroots level. It is no exaggeration to say that without civil society, governments understanding of the extent of human rights violations on the ground would be sharply reduced. As we approach next year’s 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, we hope that civil society’s important role will receive the prominence that it deserves. As my Ambassador said in his opening statement, they truly are the spirit of Helsinki.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor intends to appoint Council leader Kaya Comer-Schwartz as new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Kaya Comer-Schwartz has served as the Leader of Islington Council for more than three years, where she led transformation of youth services and £2m investment supporting survivors of violence against women.
    • The appointment of the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Assembly Policing and Crime Committee.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has appointed Kaya Comer-Schwartz as London’s new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.

    Kaya Comer- Schwartz was born and raised in London and has been an Islington councillor for more than a decade. She has served as Council Leader for more than three years. She previously worked as Executive Member for Community Safety and Children, Young People and Families, championing equality, public safety and community cohesion.  

     

    Kaya was responsible for the transformation of the Council’s Youth Justice Services and oversaw a £2 million investment in vital services for survivors of violence against women and girls – ensuring key services were available and accessible for all of the borough’s diverse communities.

     

    She has also worked on a pioneering local action plan following the publication of the Baroness Casey Review and worked closely with communities and the local police to identify clear steps to rebuild confidence and trust in the service. 

     

    The appointment follows the announcement last week that Sophie Linden*, who has served as London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime for the last eight years, is stepping down to take up a new position as a senior adviser to Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood MP.

     

    The appointment of a new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is subject to a confirmation hearing by the London Assembly Policing and Crime Committee.

     

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe. Kaya brings extensive experience to the role, working to make Londoners safer and improving trust and confidence in the police, which we know leads to reductions in violence and crime.

    “I’m pleased to appoint Kaya Comer-Schwartz as London’s new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and I’m confident that she will help us to continue reforming the police and deliver a safer London for everyone.”

    Kaya Comer-Schwartz said: “I’m thrilled to have been proposed as London’s new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.

     

    “From dealing with the aftermath of the Finsbury Park terror attack to empowering communities and the police to stand together following the far-right riots this summer, I am proud to have championed justice, community cohesion and public safety throughout my career.

    “I am excited about the prospect of bringing my skills, knowledge and experience to the role and driving the urgent reforms needed to the police to deliver a safer and more equal London.” 

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York’s Role in Leading Climate Action for the Region

    Source: City of York

    York is at the forefront of regional efforts to tackle the climate crisis as part of the newly launched Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Plan 2024.

    Following significant engagement across the region, the comprehensive plan has gained unanimous support from all 15 local authorities. York’s leader, Councillor Claire Douglas, is a key voice in driving these changes, serving as Vice Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission.

    The action plan outlines critical steps the region must take to achieve net zero by 2038, with a focus not only on reducing emissions but also ensuring a just transition that benefits all communities and ecosystems.

    York Residents: Take Action through the Retrofit One Stop Shop

    As part of the report, York was highlighted for its commitment to making the retrofit journey simpler for residents through its use of funding for a Retrofit One Stop Shop York (ROSSY).

    This initiative, which will be called YorEnergy, encourages residents to contribute to the climate fight by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and is part of the city’s commitment to both small and large-scale efforts that support the region’s climate objectives. Whether it’s simple home upgrades or larger investments, residents can now access support and resources to make these changes easier.

    Cllr. Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council and Vice-Chair of Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission said:

    “The YHCC Climate Action Plan is about taking practical steps to combat the climate change that we’re all experiencing.

    “We understand more now about the impacts of climate on our communities but also the challenges that there are around implementing some of the actions that we know we need to take.

    “It’s really important that we share examples of the best practice that’s taking place in our communities and this is a great opportunity for people to see what others are already doing.”

    Cllr. Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency said:

    “York is ambitious to reach Net Zero.

    “We have increasingly stark reminders of the impacts of carbon emissions, with more wildfires this summer, prolonged rainfall and flooding, and Florida currently suffering the impact of Hurricane Milton.

    “We also want warmer homes with lower bills in winter, cooler homes in hotter summers, clean air for all, and nature and people to thrive together, and are pleased to have been A rated for climate action by the independent Carbon Disclosure Project for two years running.

    “The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Plan strengthens our resolve to deliver on our climate commitments and gives clear guidance on how we in York, and as a region need to adapt. We’re delighted that our retrofit agenda has been highlighted in the plan, as this is a crucial part of our work, and reinforces York’s role as a leader in the region’s climate response.”
     

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ambassador For A Day 2024: British Embassy Manila

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The British Embassy Manila invites female students in the Philippines, aged between 14 to 17 years old, to enter a competition to be an Ambassador for a Day.

    What is Ambassador For A Day

    Have you ever wondered what the day-to-day work of an Ambassador is like? The competition will give the winner the unique opportunity to shadow the British Ambassador to the Philippines and learn about the work of an Ambassador and other diplomacy leaders.

    Why you should enter this competition

    Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore also half of its potential. We must ensure equality of opportunity and equitable outcomes for everyone. This is why we are encouraging women to make their voices heard on topics that affect us all.

    We invite young students to become leaders and advocates for change by offering them the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of the British Embassy Manila.

    Who can enter

    You can enter this competition if you are:

    • a female student in the Philippines
    • between 14 to 17 years old
    • available to spend a full day of activities with us at the British Embassy

    How to enter

    To enter, you must write an essay in English answering the following question in no more than 500 words: “If you were the Ambassador for a day, what would you do to help create a society free from violence against women and girls?”

    Important tips:

    • Please bear in mind that the topic for International Day of the Girls is “girl’s vision for the future”.
    • Creativity will be an important judging criteria.
    • The competition’s jury will be comprised of a diverse panel representing different backgrounds to ensure a fair and inclusive evaluation process.

    Please read the information in detail on our Terms and Conditions.

    How to submit entry

    Read the  Terms and Conditions for entering the Ambassador for a Day 2024 competition (ODT, 396 KB) and email your essay and Ambassador For A Day participation form to ukinthephilippines@fcdo.gov.uk on or before 11 November 2024.

    Deadlines

    Make sure you enter the competition on time:

    • deadline for applications: 11 November 2024
    • competition winner contacted: 20 November 2024
    • competition winner announced: w/c 25 November 2024

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV supports court action to save the Boyne Bridge and challenges Translink attitude to architectural charity

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:
    “TUV has supported the campaign to preserve the Boyne Bridge for years and commends Billy Dickson BEM for the phenomenal effort he has put into the grassroots efforts to keep this historic part of Belfast’s heritage.
    “The demolition of the bridge will cause massive disruption to traffic flow in the city, regardless of whether Translink wins in the courts.
    “It is disgusting that Translink should seek to threaten the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, a charity, with a £100,000 per week bill if they dare to challenge the demolition of the bridge in court.
    “This is a matter I will be raising with the Minister for Infrastructure by way of a priority written question which I will submit today.”
    Note to editors
    Mr Gaston’s question is as follows:
    To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to make representations to Translink asking them to drop their threat to seek £100,000 a week costs from the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society should they go ahead with court action seeking to preserve the Boyne Bridge.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK government seals further £225 million investment in Teesside renewables industry with financing deal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    One of the largest factories in the global offshore wind sector will expand and support even more jobs after UK Export Finance worked with Korean investors to secure new financing.

    • UK Export Finance and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation have guaranteed new financing for a major South Korean investment into Teesside.

    • This has unlocked new £225 million in financing from Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC UK for SeAH Steel Holding’s construction of a wind tech factory near Redcar. 

    • The financing supports an additional investment which will help the mega-factory to produce wider range of components for the offshore wind sector and meet latest industry demands.

    Based in Teesside, one of the world’s largest offshore wind technology factories will become even bigger after new government support for a South Korean investor. 

    Supported by backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF), SeAH Wind UK has now made an additional £225 million investment into wind technology manufacturing in Teesside. This brings their total investment into the site at Teesworks Freeport up to £900 million. 

    This was made possible after SeAH Steel Holding received financial guarantees from UKEF and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure) – the UK and South Korean export credit agencies – meaning that it could access £225 million in new financing for its ongoing factory build. 

    UKEF and K-Sure first supported the project in 2023. New support brings their joint backing for this project up to £590 million, with Standard Chartered Bank and HSBC UK providing the finance. 

    Wind monopiles act as the foundation for most offshore wind turbines and are critical to the growth of the global renewable energy sector. Upon completion of the factory, SeAH Wind UK will export to US and European markets. 

    New financing means that the factory will be able to produce even bigger monopiles and a wider range of products to meet industry demands, supporting the UK’s place in the global offshore wind supply chain. 

    The project will create up to 750 jobs by 2027 – a milestone in the development of a thriving offshore wind and renewables industry in North-East England.  

    Chris Sohn, Chief Executive of SeAH Wind UK, said: 

    With the proactive support of UKEF, our project is progressing smoothly. As we approach the completion of the factory construction, we are committed to ensuring its successful finalisation. We aim to become the first monopile manufacturing company in the UK and make a significant contribution to the UK economy.

    Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said: 

    This investment shows that there is international confidence in the UK economy and its ability to support the industries of tomorrow.

    UK Export Finance is helping to secure overseas investment in Teesside and around the UK through its financing offer. By working with HSBC UK, Standard Chartered and K-Sure to support investment into this project, the government is bolstering North-East England’s position as a leader in renewable energy expertise.

    Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK, said: 

    We are delighted to provide our continuing support to SeAH Group for its new offshore wind monopile manufacturing factory in Teesside, North-East England. Through its expanded manufacturing capabilities, the factory will significantly contribute to the needs of the offshore wind industry and play an essential role in addressing the growing demand for renewable energy. This project underscores the importance of export finance in helping our clients grow their operations globally and facilitating their journey to net zero.

    Yoshi Ichikawa, Head of Structured Export Finance for Europe, Standard Chartered, said:  

    We are proud to build on our previous financing provided in November 2023, to support SeAH Group’s additional investment and enhancement of the UK supply chain in the wind sector. It is an example of the important role we play in helping our clients and sectors to make credible progress on their net zero ambitions, while supporting economic development across our markets.

    SeAH Wind UK, a subsidiary of South Korean steel company SeAH Steel Holding, announced its decision to invest and broke ground at Teesworks Freeport in 2022.  

    The ongoing construction has already created major contracts for the UK supply chain in manufacturing, construction and logistics, including a £100 million contract for British Steel. 

    UKEF’s support was provided under the Export Development Guarantee (EDG) product, which is available for overseas companies investing in new UK exporting opportunities and has also secured a major investment into Welsh paper manufacturing at Shotton Mill, Deeside.

    Notes to editors

    • UKEF’s Export Development Guarantee (EDG) helps companies who export from or plan to export from the UK access high-value loan facilities for general working capital or capital expenditure purposes. 

    • Of the new financing, UKEF guaranteed over £157 million whilst K-Sure guaranteed over £67 million.  

    • This follows previous financing worth £367 million in 2023, of which £257 million was guaranteed by UKEF and £110 million by K-Sure.

    Contact

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £1million extra support secured for York residents

    Source: City of York

    Financial support to help residents cope with the cost of living crisis is being extended until the end of end of March 2025.

    The Council has been allocated £1,037,906 for the next six months and residents are urged to make sure they claim all benefits that they are eligible for.  

    This Household Support Funding (HSF) from the Government will be used in York to provide a variety of financial assistance to help residents meet essential expenses. These include:

    • £500,000 – a direct payment will be made before Christmas to working aged people who receive Council Tax Support
    • £180k – a discretionary application scheme will be available to support any other residents struggling to meet their bills, including pensioners
    • £70k – support for the Council’s food and fuel voucher scheme
    • £80k – advice and support to maximise residents’ income and promote take-up of unclaimed benefits
    • £80k – community food and support to run Warm Places this winter
    • £60k – administration and delivery of two Talk Money information and support campaigns
    • £10k – York Energy Advice funding for offering advice and energy-saving measures for households
    • £30k – support to identify, contact and support financially-vulnerable residents to claim.

    Councillor Katie Lomas, joint Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, said:

    “Nearly half of the £1,037,906.47 we’ve been allocated through the Household Support Fund (HSF), will be issued as direct payments for working-age residents who are receiving Council Tax support. This translates to a cash payment of around £115 for every qualifying resident and we’re contacting those who are eligible, to make sure they receive this vital support.

    “Of the remaining funds, £180,000 will be allocated to a discretionary support scheme, which will be open to applications to anyone struggling with their finances. We’ll also be allocating money from the HSF to continue supporting Warm Places and energy advice services to support people with the effects of rising energy costs this winter, as well as community food support and support to take up unclaimed benefits.”

    Councillor Bob Webb, with joint responsibility for financial inclusion, said:

    “We reckon as many as 1,600 people in York are missing out on Pension Credit. It’s really important that they know about it and claim the extra £100s as well as unlocking other benefits like the Winter Fuel Payment.

    “We know that between April and June 2024, an extra 31 residents claimed Pension Credit who are benefiting from a total extra £134,825 to help them through these uncertain financial times.

    “We’re writing to over 450 residents who we know are eligible for Pension Credit because they already claim Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit. Information on the 1,150 or so other eligible people is held by the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and can’t be shared for data protection reasons. So, we’ve been reaching out to them through other council services and voluntary sector organisations, to help people check their eligibility and to support them to apply.”

    Anyone who needs help to claim Pension Credit can click here, or contact these local support services:

    Anyone who needs help to claim Council Tax Support can click here or contact these local support services:

    • Age UK York – 01904 634061
    • OCAY – 01904 676200
    • Citizens Advice York – 0808 278 7895
    • CYC Benefits Advisors – 01904 552044
    • Peasholme Charity – 01904 466866
    • York Carers Centre – 01904 715490.

    More information for residents on other benefits is here or click here. 

    The next Talk Money campaign to encourage residents to claim all they can, spend less and get good advice, will run from Monday 4 November to Friday 15 November.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Island Voices lecture series explores the theme of ‘Home’

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Island Voices lecture series explores the theme of ‘Home’

    11 October 2024

    A series of literary lunchtime lectures are currently running in the Tower Museum as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Island Voices programme.

    This year the lectures will explore the theme of ‘home’ in the work of local writers from the English, Irish and Ulster-Scots traditions.

    Island Voices features talks by Belfast-born Réaltán Ní Leannáin, Maureen Boyle from Sion Mills, and Alan Millar from the Laggan Valley in East Donegal, the series will explore identity and belonging within the context of our shared languages of English, Irish and Ulster-Scots.

    Irish Language writer Réaltán Ní Leannáin opened the series with a lecture entitled ‘From Burgu to Belfast’.

    The next lecture on Thursday, 24 October will feature Sion Mills writer Maureen Boyle speaking about ‘Writing ‘Strabane’ – Blessing a Town Into Poetry’.

    In 2018 Maureen was commissioned by Radio 4 to write a poem on the town her family came from for a series called ‘Conversations on a Bench’.  In this talk, Maureen will explore the process of the poem’s creation, the motivation to write it, the research involved and the process of translating research into poetry.

    The final lecture in the series features Alan Millar with his talk ‘Hame an awa – Scots wurds in Irish toonlands’. It will take place on Thursday, 28 November.

    Born and reared in the Laggan of East Donegal, Alan Millar will explore the interconnections of locality and language running through his own work, using as his touchstone the glossary and subscribers list of Newton-Cunningham poet George Dugall’s ‘The Northern Cottage’, published exactly 200 years ago this year. The glossary, filled with Ulster-Scots dialect still spoken today, is layered through with many words now lost to the Laggan, but still alive in other places, creating a sense of shared Scots language, running past into present, between Fintown and the Shetlands.

    Encouraging people to attend the series of lectures Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “Home means something different to each individual. It doesn’t always have to be a place, home can be a feeling in your heart or even a memory of a time when you felt safe.  Home is so important to us all and I would encourage everyone to go along to these lectures to see how central the theme is to all the voices which call our island home.”

    Pól Ó Frighil, from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Languages Team, which organises the event, added: “We are delighted to have these three incredible writers joining us for Island Voices this year. The backgrounds and life experiences of Réaltán, Maureen and Alan mean they each have a unique concept of ‘home’ and it will be wonderful to see how this has translated into their works.

    “We hope that our programme of lectures adds to the greater public understanding of the unique literary traditions of English, Irish and Ulster-Scots.” 

    All talks in the series are free but booking is essential. Each one will begin at 1pm and there are light refreshments available from 12.30pm. To book your place please contact the Tower Museum, T: (028) 7137 2411 or email [email protected] 

    Further information: Pól Ó Frighil, Languages Team, Derry City and Strabane District Council, [email protected]

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Paddy Tyre Tribute Concert Planned for the Guildhall

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Paddy Tyre Tribute Concert Planned for the Guildhall

    11 October 2024

    The life and music of Derry man Paddy Tyre will be celebrated at a special concert in the Guildhall on December 5th.

    Paddy, well-known throughout the City and District, passed away suddenly on July 8th, just hours after he and his family met with the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr. The family had requested the meeting to seek the mayor’s support for a charity walk organised by Paddy’s daughters, Rosin Hamill, Aoife Tyre and granddaughter Kirstie Hamill, to raise funds for the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust. Rosin and Aoife’s children, Zara and Tiernan, were both born with Down Syndrome just 11 days apart 

    Tragedy struck after their visit with the mayor, as Paddy passed away suddenly that evening. In honour of Paddy’s memory, Mayor Barr committed to hosting a concert – it is planned for the day before Paddy would have celebrated his 76th birthday.

    Reflecting on the day, Mayor Barr said: “Paddy was such a warm, engaging man, and we shared a wonderful afternoon in the Mayor’s Parlour. He spoke with so much love for his family and music. We even laughed about his ‘famous’ bacon and egg pub breakfast, which he promised to make for me. His passing that same evening was such a shock, and my heart broke for his family. Organising this concert to honour Paddy feels like a fitting way to remember someone who brought so much joy through music.”

    Helping to organise the concert on behalf of the Tyre family is Paddy’s daughter Rosin, she explained: “We were brought up with music, it was such an integral part of our family and our daily lives, so this concert is a very fitting way to remember our daddy. After Zara and Tiernan were born music became even more important to us as we have seen the effect music has on them. It has helped their social skills, their language skills, their mobility… everything really. Zara was her Granda’s princess, and he waited patiently on her each day to play one of her many favourite nursery rhymes that was always jazzed up using a bass guitar, we had nursery rhyme time like no other. Tiernan loved to watch his Granda play the guitar and has now started to play himself, following in his Granda’s footsteps. With the proceeds from this concert going to charity this is their Granda’s last way of supporting the charity that has and will continue to support both his grandchildren. We are obviously all dealing with losing our dad so suddenly, but planning this concert is really helping us. Music was so important to daddy, and we are getting such strength from it now.” 

    Paddy’s wife Evelyn added: “Paddy’s love for music has always been there, and I remember buying him his first guitar in 1970 from local music shop Deery’s. The first band he played in was The Saints, and music has always been a massive part of our marriage, family and home.” 

    In his heyday Paddy Tyre was a member of the Derry Showband scene and even performed in a play that was written about the Showbands in the Rialto, after this he made his living gigging and playing in venues all around the country. As he settled into retirement it was the Strabane-based Music to Your Ears Group where Paddy found a new home. Made up of men who love to sing and perform together, Paddy found a camaraderie which he cherished. He performed regularly with the group bringing back to life many of the tunes he had enjoyed in his showband days. 

    Fittingly, it is now the Music to Your Ears Group who will lead this tribute to Paddy. Led by Eamon Lynch and Mickey Joe Harte the group will perform on the Guildhall stage and will also provide the backing for other musicians on the night. Performers confirmed so far include many who Paddy played with over the years including, Legacy, Jim McDermott, Damian McAdams, Martin McColgan and Son, along with a special performance from the Foyle Down Syndrome Group. 

    Paddy’s children will also be performing on the night in a very personal tribute to their dad. There will also be pre-recorded performances from young Zara and Tiernan. 

    Rosin added, “We had so much support already, from the musicians and bands which Daddy worked with over the years and have agreed to perform on the night, and from local people already asking where they can get tickets. 

    “All proceeds from the concert will be split between the Foyle Down Syndrome Group and the Mayor’s charity – The Bud Club. My mum Evelyn, and all of us as a family, are very grateful to the mayor for giving us the opportunity to host an event like this in our daddy’s memory, we hope people come along to support the charities and enjoy the music.” 

    Tickets are £10 and are available from Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Thrift Charity Shop in Northside Shopping Centre, from any family member or by contacting [email protected].

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tourism Conference inspires collaboration and growth

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council held its annual 2024 Tourism Conference on Thursday 10th October at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, bringing together local businesses and industry leaders to highlight local strengths, network and discuss the latest trends and innovations for the sector.

    The conference programme featured a diverse line up of speakers including John McGrillen, Chief Executive, Tourism NI, Helen McGorman, Head of Trade Engagement, Tourism Ireland, Nicola Lyons, Head of Production, Screen NI and Leann Duffy, Head of Marketing and Sales, Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

    Opening the 2024 Tourism Conference, Chair of ABC’s Economic Development & Regeneration Committee Alderman Paul Greenfield said,

    “I am delighted to welcome local businesses from across the Borough to learn about the latest developments and innovations from Industry leaders and hear from those passionate about the future of the sector.

    Our local tourism and hospitality stakeholders are vital in the growth and sustainability of the sector. We hope today inspires continued collaborative working between businesses as well as with Council for the shared goal of a thriving tourism destination.”

    With a focus on the power of continued collaboration, the conference provided an opportunity for local tourism and hospitality providers to meet face to face, share information and learn from industry experts on the opportunities available from sector organisations such as Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland and also as part of the developing Screen Industry in Northern Ireland.

    Sustainability was a key theme for this year’s conference, highlighting the importance of becoming leaner and greener, consumer trends around sustainable travel and what that means for businesses on the ground. Discussions explored new opportunities in the sector, as well as ways in which tourism can continue to evolve and adapt in the face of challenges.

    ABC Council is committed to drive tourism for the borough by providing memorable and unique visitor experiences, particular welcome was extended to the Borough’s new Experience Development Programme participants, some of whom are new to the Tourism sector and in attendance. It is through these initiatives ABC Council continues to showcase its culture and stories, celebrating local food and orchard produce and delivering world class signature events to a domestic, national and international audience.

    The Tourism Conference 2024 was compered by former broadcaster and journalist Karen Patterson.

    The Council provides ongoing support to local tourism and hospitality providers through the Tourism, Arts and Culture Department. For more information and advice contact:

    *protected email*

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Channel Islands jointly agree to support Manche Iles Express10 October 2024 The Government of Jersey, States of Guernsey, and the Sark Chief Pleas have collectively agreed to financially support the France-Channel Islands passenger-only fast ferry service Manche Iles Express for… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    10 October 2024

    The Government of Jersey, States of Guernsey, and the Sark Chief Pleas have collectively agreed to financially support the France-Channel Islands passenger-only fast ferry service Manche Iles Express for 2025 operations.

    The request for financial support by the Departmental Council of La Manche (DCLM) was made in response to increased operating costs which put the viability of the service at risk.

    Since being established, it is estimated that the DCLM has committed over €20m to the service. The Channel Islands’ support is conditional on the scheduled service operating as intended in 2025.

    The Channel Islands’ combined contribution is €370,000: 

    • The Government of Jersey has committed €200,000
    • The States of Guernsey, through the Committee for Economic Development €167,000
    • The Sark Chief Pleas €3,000.

    The DCLM are also seeking additional funding from the adjacent ports of Carteret, Diélette and Granville, who also benefit from the Manche Iles Express services.

    Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel,  said: “From increasing tourism, enabling business opportunities, or simply connecting friends and family across the channel, Islanders have benefitted from the passenger services offered by Manche Iles Express for two decades, and it continues to provide a valuable service. It is important we therefore support the service in the short term whilst working together on a longer-term solution.”

    The Chief Minister in the States of Guernsey, Deputy Lyndon Trott, said: “With our cultural connections to Normandy, and the attraction of the likes of the Maison de Victor Hugo, Guernsey offers an excellent destination for summer French visitors wishing to come to and experience what the Islands have to offer. Losing the service would be a significant loss to the Bailiwick Islands and our wider economies and am pleased to confirm the Bailiwick of Guernsey’s support of the service next year and we look forward to working with DLCM to develop the service beyond 2025.”​

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IBCA Newsletter, 10 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s newsletter that was circulated on 10 October 2024.

    Documents

    IBCA Newsletter, 10 October 2024

    HTML

    Details

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s newsletter that was circulated on 10 October 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free training programme for arts and culture freelancers and organisations

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Council is launching a brand new programme to support the city’s arts and culture sector, with a specific focus on smaller organisations and freelancers.

    The programme offers a range of free training sessions to help organisations and freelance creatives develop their skills and knowledge.

    There are over 300 places available, with a blend of both online and in-person sessions. The programme covers a wide range of topics, including fundraising, marketing, safeguarding, media coaching and writing.

    The programme’s sessions will be taking place between 11 November and 13 December and it is aimed at people working in the arts and cultural sectors in Coventry.

    Cllr Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for those working in the arts and culture sector to learn new skills or develop ones they already have. The programme has been developed in partnership with a number of external providers to ensure that there’s a strong variety of options.

    “The arts and culture sector is so important to the city and we really want to reach the right people. We encourage those working in the industry in Coventry to see whether any of the sessions could be useful to them or their business.”

    Course providers include Coventry University, University of Warwick, Artswork, Coconut Communications, West Midlands Ownership Hub, Arts Marketing Association and Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy.

    The courses are funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund and the programme is being launched as part of the West Midlands Creativity Week.

    For more information on the courses, or to register, visit the Arts and Culture Business Booster webpage.

    Friday, 11th October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: BBC belatedly acknowledges they shouldn’t have claimed Jim Allister stole North Antrim Westminster seat

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:

    “Later today the BBC will belatedly acknowledge on one of its own platforms for the first time that they should not have claimed that I had “stolen” the North Antrim Westminster seat.

    “This was something TUV drew to the attention of BBC Northern Ireland immediately after the broadcast of the offending news bulletin back in July and we did receive a private acknowledgment that this should not have happened. Now, however, the BBC have conceded that they need to acknowledge that what they said was wrong on one of their own platforms. I do not accept the BBC’s feeble contention that because we passed the private acknowledgement of an error to the News Letter they could decide not to publish anything on their own corrections and clarifications page before now. The fact that they will publish a correction later today is a tacit admission on their part that they knew such an approach could not be defended had TUV escalated our complaint to OfCom.”

    Note to editors

    The text which will appear on the BBC’s Corrections and Clarifications page later today reads as follows:

    News (10am), Radio Ulster, 5 July 2024

    Complaint

    In the course of correspondence about BBC Northern Ireland’s coverage of Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) during the general election campaign and subsequently, a representative of the party complained about a report in this bulletin which said “in the big shock of the night, the Paisley stronghold of North Antrim was stolen by the TUV leader Jim Allister”, on the basis that the word “stolen” was inappropriate and (in comparison with the neutral language used in the same report about seats gained by other parties) indicative of bias. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the BBC’s editorial standards of accuracy and impartiality.

    Outcome

    On the day after receiving the complaint Kevin Kelly, BBC Northern Ireland’s Head of News and Current Affairs replied:

    We accept that the word used in this instance was wrong. It was/is factually incorrect and has a meaning wholly other than that which was intended. We did not mean to imply that there was anything inappropriate about Jim Allister MP’s election to Westminster, but were seeking to convey something of its significance in news and other terms.

    In the absence of anything in this bulletin or other items of post-election coverage which suggested impropriety in connection with the TUV’s victory in North Antrim, the ECU agreed with Mr Kelly that the word in question should be understood as an attempt to reinforce the surprising nature of the result rather than an indication of bias. It also agreed, however, that its use had been inappropriate and, in this context, out of keeping with the BBC’s standards of accuracy. While the ECU would normally expect the BBC to make a public acknowledgement of a misstep of this kind, it noted that the contents of Mr Kelly’s letter had been published in the Belfast News Letter while the matter was still under consideration by the management of BBC Northern Ireland. In the particular circumstances the ECU considered that the promptness of Mr Kelly’s private acknowledgement taken together with the circulation it had been given as a result of publication in the Belfast News Letter sufficed to resolve the issue of accuracy.

    Resolved

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement from the Secretary of State on Growth Deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The statement follows the Secretary of State’s meeting with Council representatives

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn with the various Council representatives at today’s City Deal meeting.

    Speaking after a meeting in Dungannon with representatives from local councils regarding the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, said:

    I am grateful to the council officials for the constructive discussions on the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals and for highlighting their views on the current situation.

    Since being appointed as the Secretary of State, I have witnessed the passion, skills and determination of businesses wanting to make Northern Ireland a more prosperous place.

    Both the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals are crucial to promoting economic growth. Everyone in Northern Ireland understands that. 

    However, the Government are facing a £22 billion black hole in the public finances that we have inherited from the last Government, and we have to review existing commitments in the run-up to the Budget on the 30th October.

    In the meantime I will endeavour to work closely with Deal partners, and the Northern Ireland Executive, on the City and Growth Deals programme and to ensure Northern Ireland has the tools needed to drive growth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New appointments to board of Infected Blood Compensation Authority

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Six non-executive directors with experience in healthcare, finance and local government have been appointed to the board of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.

    The government has made a selection of important appointments to the board of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) today.

    Six non-executive directors (NEDs) have been appointed to the board of IBCA, an independent authority which will deliver compensation to victims of infected blood.

    Three NEDs have been appointed by the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds, and three have been appointed by Interim Chair of IBCA, Sir Robert Francis KC.

    So far, the government has paid over £1 billion in compensation to victims of infected blood, and remains committed to start delivering final compensation payments by the end of the year.

    The government has already established a comprehensive compensation scheme in law, which was based on recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry and Sir Robert Francis KC.

    These appointments meet the requirements of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which states that IBCA is to consist of non-executive members among other roles.

    The six NEDs are:

    • Russell Frith, Chair of IBCA Audit & Risk Committee, Former Assistant Auditor General of Audit Scotland
    • Deborah Harris-Ugbomah, Founder and President of Lean In London; with extensive experience in risk, assurance and corporate compliance in financial services and the public sector
    • Paula Sussex, Chief Executive Officer, OneID and former CEO, Student Loans Company
    • Gillian Fairfield, Chair of the Disclosure and Barring Service
    • Sir Rob Behrens, outgoing Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in the UK
    • Helen Parker, former Deputy CEO of WHICH? and a committee member of HealthWatch England

    In their roles, they will provide constructive challenge to the IBCA board, which will support IBCA’s decision making as it delivers compensation to the community.

    Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said:

    I am delighted to welcome six new non-executive directors to join the board of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.

    Their appointments are another important step in establishing IBCA and preparing to deliver compensation which too many people have waited too long to receive.

    This government is doing everything possible to deliver compensation quickly, and in many cases deliver life-changing sums to people infected and affected by this scandal.

    Interim Chair of the IBCA, Sir Robert Francis KC, said:

    At the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, we are fully committed to building an organisation that delivers compensation to those impacted by contaminated blood and blood products.

    We recognise that those entitled to compensation have already waited far too long, and we are building the Authority at speed to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of this crucial service.

    To achieve this, it is vital that we have the right people working together within IBCA. Our newly appointed non-executive directors bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise that will guide us as we develop an organisation grounded in candour, compassion, and transparency.

    Each of our non-executive directors brings unique skills and insights from diverse industries and disciplines, ensuring that IBCA is well-equipped to deliver the best possible service to the community we serve.

    Ends

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Indian woman experiences day as British High Commissioner

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    19-year-old Nidhi Gautam from Karnataka became the British High Commissioner to India for a day.

    Nidhi Gautam, British High Commissioner for the Day with Lindy Cameron, Deputy High Commissioner for the Day (on other days, British High Commissioner to India)

    Nineteen-year-old Nidhi Gautam from Karnataka became the British High Commissioner to India for one full day, getting a unique behind-the-scenes look at the life of a diplomat and seeing the UK-India partnership in action. 

    The British High Commission in New Delhi has organised the ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition every year since 2017, to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October).

    The UK is committed to engaging with girls and shifting our power to them as change makers and future leaders. Protecting and promoting freedoms for women and girls in the UK and around the world is the right and smart thing to do; it is integral to creating resilient economies and strong, free societies.

    This year’s winning entry was chosen from a pool of more than 140 applications from talented young women around the country. Nidhi is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in History and Geography from Miranda House in Delhi. She is passionate about sketching, Wordle, cultural diplomacy and foreign policy.

    Nidhi Gautam, British High Commissioner for the Day, said:

    Being the British High Commissioner for a day was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on me. I was fortunate to explore remarkable advancements, from assistive technologies to enlightening discussions on solar energy to ground-breaking developments in biotechnology and ‘femtech’. Each interaction underscored the idea that technology serves a greater purpose by creating tangible social benefits.

    Lindy’s warm encouragement and insightful thoughts throughout the day inspired me profoundly, reminding me of the importance of dedication and passion in serving one’s country. The day’s strong representation of women in leadership roles further motivated me, reaffirming my commitment to championing gender equality. Ultimately, this experience taught me that true progress is not just about advancement but about elevating lives along the way.

    Lindy Cameron, Deputy High Commissioner for the Day (on other days, British High Commissioner to India), said:

    It was fantastic to learn from Nidhi for the day. Our conversations, from the UK-India Technology Security Initiative to the role of young women in tackling global challenges, were inspiring. The High Commissioner for a Day competition embodies the idea that the world will be a better place when everyone has equal opportunities. Empowering women and girls in the UK and around the world is a priority for us and an integral part of our partnership with India on everything from technology to climate resilience.

    As the UK’s top diplomat in India, Nidhi got to experience an exciting range of activities over the course of a fully packed day. She started her day as High Commissioner getting briefed over breakfast on details of the UK-India bilateral relationship, the Technology Security Initiative announced in July, by her senior leadership team. She visited the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, where she had an immersive experience in new technologies that are helping differently abled people live their lives to the fullest. She also visited the National Institute of Immunology to see how technology is aiding the development of vaccines in India, in addition a range of meetings with government and industry partners over the course of the day.

    Further information

    • see free-to-use images of Nidhi’s day as High Commissioner

    • Nidhi Gautam was ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ on 1 October. Applicants for this year’s competition were invited to submit a 1-minute video answering the question: ‘How can the UK and India collaborate on technology to benefit future generations?’ See Nidhi’s winning entry

    • the ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition, organised annually since 2017, celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October). The competition is an opportunity to provide a platform to young women to raise awareness about girls’ rights and highlight the importance of women in leadership roles

    • the International Day of the Girl is also being celebrated at the UK’s diplomatic missions in Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai where one young woman will have the opportunity to be the ‘British Deputy High Commissioner for a Day’

    Media

    For media queries, please contact:

    David Russell, Head of Communications
    Press and Communications, British High Commission,
    Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Tel: 24192100

    Media queries: BHCMediaDelhi@fco.gov.uk

    Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Youtube and LinkedIn

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New body to “get a grip” on infrastructure delays

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    In speech at Skanska’s national HQ, Chief Secretary to the Treasury sets out vision for the future of the country’s infrastructure.

    • Chief Secretary Darren Jones sets out plan for Britain’s infrastructure to restore investor confidence.
    • New body will help “get a grip” on the delays to infrastructure development.
    • Government also sets out first national infrastructure strategy just days before global investors arrive in the UK for the International Investment Summit. 

    The cycle of underinvestment and instability that has plagued the UK’s infrastructure systems for over a decade is to come to an end, with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, outlining new plans to break this cycle and deliver a decade of national renewal to power growth across the country.

    In a speech at Skanska’s national HQ – one of the world’s largest construction companies – the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones today (Thursday 10 October) set out his vision for the future of the country’s infrastructure.

    The Chief Secretary announced a new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), which will look to fix the foundations of our infrastructure system by bringing infrastructure strategy and delivery together addressing the systemic delivery challenges that have stunted growth for decades.

    The Chief Secretary warned that investor confidence has been shaken by a cycle of underinvestment and instability that has plagued the UK’s infrastructure’s systems, with statistics showing that the UK has historically ranked lowest among the G7 for investment, alongside the lowest public capital stock in the G7, 15% below its average.

    The Chief Secretary also said infrastructure is the very lifeblood of the country’s economy, and that through it, working people are better connected with the opportunities they need, businesses can find the top talent they need, and Britain is better linked to the rest of the world.

    Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury said:

    This new body will get a grip on the delays to infrastructure delivery that have plagued our global reputation with investors. It will restore the confidence of businesses to invest and help break the cycle of low growth.

    NISTA will bring a much-needed oversight of strategy and delivery under one roof, supporting the development and implementation of the ten-year infrastructure strategy in conjunction with industry, while driving more effective delivery of infrastructure across the country.

    He also stressed the urgent need to speed up the delivery of major infrastructure with a powerful national strategy, noting that this will help provide the stability required to help ensure private sector confidence and achieve better sustained economic growth.

    The Chief Secretary confirmed the Government’s objectives, priorities, and vision of the nation’s infrastructure over the next decade through a ten-year infrastructure strategy, for the first time since coming into power. The speech comes just days ahead of the International Investment Summit on 14 October which will bring the world’s biggest businesses and investors to the UK to hear about the country’s economic strengths and investment potential. 

    The National Infrastructure Commission will also today publish an independent report into the systemic issues in the UK that have historically increased the cost of delivering major infrastructures. The report will point to a debilitating lack of strategic clarity as a root cause, that has increased the delay of decisions for national infrastructure by up to 65% since 2012.

    Also confirmed today is the extension of Sir John Armitt’s role as Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission to continue to provide the stability and expertise needed to support the Government in developing the ten-year infrastructure strategy.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Knowing what services matter most to you

    Source: City of Coventry

    Whether it’s better roads, improvements to parks, support for carers or helping people who become homeless, there are services in Coventry that are more important to different people.

    Councils across the country are battling rising prices and increasing demands on their services and Coventry is no different.

     This adds to the pressure on the 700 services we deliver every year.

     At the same time, as a Council, we know that we cannot do everything we would really like to, but we can make sure that we give everyone the opportunity to have a say in how we build our budget for 2025 and 2026.

    That’s why we want to get feedback from you, about where to focus our spending.

    We would like to hear your views about the things that concern you and your family; to help us understand where we should focus resources as we work to improve lives across our city.

    We have put together a survey, https://letstalk.coventry.gov.uk/local-services, to help us understand from Coventry residents your views and ensure they are embedded into our future financial plans.

    If you can spend a few minutes to respond to us, we would love to get your thoughts.

    Thursday, 10th October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ratan Tata

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry Council notes with considerable regret the death of the Indian industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata – and honorary freeman of the city – on October 9. 

    Mr Tata, who led the group bearing his family name for 21 years, and during that time the company acquired Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, helped to secure the future of such an important regional brand and created thousands of jobs during his chairmanship.

    The city made Mr Tata a freeman of the city in 2015 in recognition of the investment of Tata Steel into Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) which enhanced and protected the status of car manufacturing in the region, the JLR brand and particularly the employment of its employees and many subsidy suppliers, supported by the Warwick Manufacturing Group.

    Council leader Cllr George Duggins expressed his personal and the city’s sadness: “Ratan Tata was a great friend of the region and of the city in particular. 

    “Through his support to regenerate Jaguar Land Rover, his role in establishing the National Automotive Innovation Centre at the University of Warwick, his contribution to Coventry’s confident regeneration can not be underestimated. 
    “I have written to the Tata family to pay the respects of the council and all its residents to titan of the business world.”

    Thursday, 10th October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council keep focus on sunbed premises with test purchasing

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Environmental Health staff from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have welcomed the steps taken by local businesses to stop persons aged under 18 from using sunbeds at their premises.

    Over recent months, council staff carried out test purchases in ten businesses which provide sunbeds and found one sale to a person aged under 18.

    It is illegal for under-18s to use a sunbed on commercial premises, and it is the responsibility of the local council to enforce these laws.

    A spokesperson for ABC Council said their Environmental Health staff remain committed to enforcing the legislation as well as highlighting the potential health risks of tanning beds, to both young people and parents.

    “The risks of using sunbeds are very real and very serious. Using a sunbed, even once at any stage during your life increases your risk of developing melanoma by 20% compared to someone who has never used a sunbed. And this risk increases by 1.8% with each additional time you use a sunbed,” said the council spokesperson.

    “We remain committed to the inspection of sunbed premises in our borough and welcome the fact that the vast majority of our local businesses are compliant, but we don’t want to see any sales at all to people aged under 18 and we will continue to work towards that.

    “Businesses that don’t follow the law on sunbeds are issued with a fixed penalty notice of £250 and non-payment can result in a court case, and if convicted, this can result in a fine up to £5,000.”

    For further information on sunbed safety legislation – please visit http://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/business/sunbed-safety/ If you have any concerns about a sunbed business in your area, please contact the Environmental Health Department at the Council on 0330 056 1011.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City council creates new residents-only parking spaces on busy estate

    Source: City of Leicester

    NEW parking spaces for residents have been created in the St Peters area of the city.

    Leicester City Council has demolished outdated garages outside flats on Jupiter Close and Pluto Close to create the new spaces.

    The work has seen 32 garages demolished at Jupiter Close, creating 30 new spaces and more than doubling the number of parking spaces available there, expanding the total number to 64. At Pluto Close, 23 garages have been demolished, creating 21 completely new parking spaces.

    All of the spaces will now be made available for residents only.

    The scheme has been funded by £300,000 from the city council’s public realm improvements fund for the Wycliffe ward, which covers the St Matthews and St Peters estates.

    A total of 270 parking spaces are now available for use by residents, with 445 residents’ parking permits issued so far. An additional 329 parking spaces are now available on nearby streets, for anyone to park in.

    Jupiter Close is now the largest parking site on the St Peters estate.

    Demolition of garages at Jupiter Close

    New parking spaces at Jupiter Close

    Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, deputy city mayor for housing, economy and neighbourhoods, said: “We know that many vehicles from neighbouring businesses were using parking spaces on the estate in the past. Because of its proximity to Leicester city centre, there was also a problem with commuters parking here.

    “These new residents’ parking spaces will stop that, significantly improving things for people who live here. It means non-residents and commuters can no longer take up their parking spaces, while customers and visitors to nearby businesses can use the on-street spaces.”

    Ward councillors Hanif Aqbany and Mohammed Dawood have been closely involved in the scheme. Cllr Aqbany said: “We have now officially opened the extra parking at Jupiter Close with a really good celebration event and ribbon-cutting. But even before this, we were seeing that residents were already benefitting from the extra dedicated spaces we have created elsewhere on the estate. It’s a scheme that is having a really positive impact.”

    Cllr Dawood added: “Residents on the estate have told us they are very happy with the scheme, which is great to hear. We are really pleased to be able to deliver these much-needed, updated parking facilities that will benefit residents and families living in the area.”

    One resident, from Taurus Close, said: “I am so pleased with the parking now – I don’t have to worry when I come home late at night. Previously, I had to park off Melbourne Road at one in the morning and walk to my house – now I can find parking when I come home.”

    Another, Mr Dassu, from Jupiter Close, said: “It is absolutely great, lovely! Residents were struggling to find parking spaces – but now it is better, I can park outside my home every day.”

    The scheme complements a £1.2m project completed last year at nearby Ottawa Road on the St Matthews estate, that involved removing old brick garages and bin stores and replacing them with new parking bays, new street lighting and railings.

    A £5million, three-year programme of improvements in St Matthews and St Peters will complete this year, after a commitment by City Mayor Peter Soulsby back in 2019 to invest in the two estates. Improvements have included installing more parking bays and electrical charging points; cleaning up courtyards and green spaces, and revamping the play area on Lethbridge Close in St Matthews and the central green space in St Peters.

    ENDS

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