NewzIntel.com

Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City of York Council to Appoint New Chief Executive

    Source: City of York

    Claire Douglas and Ian Floyd

    Published Thursday, 3 July 2025

    City of York Council has today announced that Ian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Paid Service, will retire at Easter 2026 after dedicating more than 17 years of service to the city.

    A key figure in York’s recent history, Ian has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2020 and has been instrumental in delivering transformational projects and guiding the council through significant challenges. Under his leadership, the council successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, maintained a balanced financial position despite national funding pressures, and oversaw the adoption of York’s first Local Plan in over 70 years. He helped secure an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating for Children’s Services in 2024, played a key role in establishing the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the York Central development and the completion of the York Community Stadium.

    Recruitment for a new Chief Executive will begin in the coming weeks, following approval at Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee later this month. Subject to approval, the new Chief Executive will take up the statutory role of Head of Paid Service and will lead the organisation into its next chapter, working closely with elected members, partners, and communities to deliver on the Council Plan and York’s long-term ambitions.

    Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, paid tribute to Ian, saying:

    Ian has dedicated the last 17 years of his working life to York, including as Head of Paid Service since 2019. He has provided calm, consistent and visionary leadership through periods of uncertainty and change.

    “His commitment to public service, his support for staff, and his passion for the city have made a lasting impact. I thank him sincerely for his dedication and service.”

    Reflecting on his decision to retire, Ian Floyd said:

    It has been a privilege to serve City of York Council and to work alongside so many talented and committed colleagues to deliver lasting improvements for the city.

    “From the adoption of our first Local Plan in decades, to the launch of the Combined Authority and the transformation of services for children and families, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. This decision is a personal one, and I’m making the announcement now to allow for a smooth transition.”

    The new Chief Executive is expected to be appointed later this year, with a planned start date in spring 2026. Full details of the recruitment process will follow on the council’s website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bring the outdoors indoors with the Summer Reading Challenge

    Source: City of Manchester

    The much-loved Summer Reading Challenge returns to Manchester libraries to motivate children to keep reading during the summer months. 

    Launched at a special event with Dapo Adeola, author and children’s book illustrator, and the official illustrator of the Summer Reading Challenge, 180 children from three schools joined in the special event at Manchester Central Library. 

    The popular yearly book fest for young readers is back with a challenge that brings the outdoors indoors with a Story Garden theme. Children will be encouraged to take their imagination into enchanted woods or outdoor adventures or find out amazing facts about bugs, bees, and plants. 

    The Challenge encourages children aged 4-11 to discover the joy of books and to keep up their reading habits during the school holidays, often a time when children forget some of the skills and knowledge that they have acquired during the school year.  By encouraging reading as a fun activity, it keeps their brains active and boosts reading skills, making it easier when they start back to school in September. And the very young won’t miss out, there’s even a mini-challenge for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old. 

    Taking part is easy. Visit a local library and accept the challenge to read any six library books, either from the Story Garden collection or any book (which also includes digital or e-audio books from the free Borrow Box app) and pick up a special collector card to log the summer reading books. 

    A series of free activities linked to the Story Garden theme will be on offer during the school holidays in libraries, encouraging children to get involved in the Challenge.  There is also the chance to win goody bags every week throughout the summer. 

    And children can keep those creative juices flowing by writing or drawing reviews of the books they’ve read and be in with the chance to win a kindle tablet, book bundle or art supplies. If they finish the challenge by 13 September, children will receive not only a special winner’s medal and certificate for commitment to reading but also the chance to be entered into the grand prize draw with the opportunity to win a £100 toyshop voucher and a bundle of books!   

    The Summer Reading Challenge is just one of the child centred activities that Manchester promotes as part of its work towards becoming a Unicef recognise Child Friendly City. 

    Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said: 

    “The Summer Reading Challenge is an incredibly important and popular event in libraries and fits with our year-round Read Manchester work across communities to promote the many benefits of reading and literacy. Last year we had more than 5,500 children take part, which is just incredible and reassuring that children still love to read, a skill that will take them far and hopefully will stay with them throughout their lives. “Every year a new theme draws children into a web of creativity and imagination, and we hope it will be the beginning of a journey of a lifelong love of books. “It couldn’t be easier to get involved, parents and children just need to visit their local library, grab some books, start reading and get involved in some of the wonderful events that libraries will host over the summer.” 

    For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge and to check out free events visit Summer Reading Challenge  Check out what’s on offer on Loads to do  

    The Summer Reading Challenge is a national initiative that encourages young readers aged 4 – 11 across the country to borrow and read books from the public library. The Story Garden is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on the Oral Presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and Interim Report of the Secretary General on Crimea

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on the Oral Presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and Interim Report of the Secretary General on Crimea

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and Interim Report of the Secretary General on Human Rights on Crimea. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Assistant Secretary-General, for your update on the human rights situation in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories.

    In June 2024, the European Court of Human Rights found Russia to have committed multiple human rights violations since its illegal annexation of Crimea. In May this year, the Council of Europe urged Russia to restore Ukrainian law in Crimea and end the use of torture and ill-treatment.

    There are very concerning reports of civilians being detained and taken across the border into Russia, where they have been convicted on spurious charges. This includes those who work in critical civilian infrastructure, such as the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and journalists.

    We note your assessment that targeted use of drones, including attacks that have killed civilians while delivering humanitarian aid, has violated IHL principles of distinction and precaution. Russia must comply with international law. Rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians is needed.

    Those responsible must be held to account for the appalling forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, and the enlistment of these children into military patriotic training programmes, potentially then being sent to fight against their own country.

    Assistant Secretary-General,

    Given Russia’s attempt to erase children’s heritage, what steps can be taken to prevent the long-term erasure of their cultural and national identity?

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Lyssavirus is rare, but deadly. What should you do if a bat bites you?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vinod Balasubramaniam, Associate Professor (Molecular Virology), Monash University

    Ken Griffiths/Getty Images

    A man in his 50s has died from lyssavirus in New South Wales after being bitten by a bat several months ago.

    This is Australia’s fourth human case of bat lyssavirus and the first confirmed case in NSW since the virus was first identified in 1996 in a black flying fox in Queensland.

    So what is lyssavirus? And how can you protect yourself if you come into contact with a bat?

    A close relative of rabies

    Australian bat lyssavirus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, the same group of viruses that causes rabies.

    It primarily infects bats. Active monitoring suggests fewer than 1% of healthy bats carry the virus, though prevalence rises to 5–10% in sick or injured bats.

    In bats, the virus often causes no obvious symptoms, though some show neurological signs such as disorientation, aggression, muscle spasms and paralysis. Some will die.

    The virus has been confirmed in all four mainland flying fox species (Pteropus alecto, P. poliocephalus, P. scapulatus and P. conspicillatus) as well as the yellow-bellied sheathtail bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris), a species of microbat.

    However, serological evidence – where scientists test for antibodies in bats’ blood – suggests other microbats could be susceptible too. So we should be cautious with all Australian bat species when it comes to lyssavirus.

    Rare, but potentially deadly

    Unlike rabies, which causes roughly 59,000 human deaths annually, predominantly in Africa and Asia, human infection with bat lyssavirus is extremely rare.

    Australian bat lyssavirus, as the name suggests, is unique to Australia. But other bat lyssaviruses, such as European bat lyssavirus, have similarly caused rare human infections.

    Human infection with bat lyssavirus occurs through direct contact with infected bat saliva via bites, scratches or open skin. It can also occur if our mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) are exposed to bat saliva.

    There’s no risk associated with bat faeces, urine, blood, or casual proximity to roosts.

    If someone has been exposed, there’s an incubation period which can range from weeks to more than two years. During this time the virus slowly moves through the body’s nerves to the brain, staying hidden and symptom-free.

    Treating the virus during the incubation period can prevent the illness. But if it’s not treated, symptoms are serious and it’s invariably fatal.

    The nature of the illness in humans mirrors rabies, beginning with flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue), then quickly progressing to severe neurological disease, including paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Death generally occurs within 1–2 weeks of symptom onset.

    All four recorded human cases in Australia – three in Queensland (in 1996, 1998 and 2013) and the recent NSW case – have been fatal.

    There’s no effective treatment once symptoms develop

    If someone is potentially exposed to bat lyssavirus and seeks medical attention, they can be treated with post-exposure prophylaxis, consisting of rabies antibodies and the rabies vaccine.

    This intervention is highly effective if initiated promptly – preferably within 48 hours, and no later than seven days post-exposure – before the virus enters the central nervous system.

    But no effective treatment exists for Australian bat lyssavirus once symptoms develop. Emerging research on monoclonal antibodies offers potential future therapies, however these are not yet available.

    So what’s the best protection? And what if a bat bites you?

    Pre-exposure rabies vaccination, involving three doses over one month, is recommended for high-risk groups. This includes veterinarians, animal handlers, wildlife rehabilitators, and laboratory workers handling lyssaviruses.

    It’s important for members of the public to avoid all direct contact with bats. Only vaccinated, trained professionals, such as wildlife carers or veterinarians, should handle bats.

    Public education campaigns are essential to reduce risky interactions, especially in bat-populated areas.

    If you get bitten or scratched by a bat, it’s vital to act immediately. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, apply an antiseptic (such as betadine), and seek urgent medical attention.

    This tragic case in NSW underscores that while extremely rare, bat lyssavirus is an important public health threat. We need to see enhanced public awareness and ensure vaccination for high-risk groups, alongside ongoing bat monitoring and research into new treatments.

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

    – ref. Lyssavirus is rare, but deadly. What should you do if a bat bites you? – https://theconversation.com/lyssavirus-is-rare-but-deadly-what-should-you-do-if-a-bat-bites-you-260495

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prisoner Releases in Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Prisoner Releases in Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    UK and others call for immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners

    Madam Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and my own country, Germany.

    The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Liechtenstein, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia and San Marino.

    We welcome the release of several political prisoners, including Siarhei Tsikhanousky, in which the United States of America played a crucial role.

    While these are positive steps, we are deeply concerned that as of 26 June at least 1 170 political prisoners still remain in custody in Belarus according to the human rights organization Viasna. Many are subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including prolonged isolation and denial of essential medical care. Tragically, at least eight of them died in detention due to these inhumane conditions.

    We are also mindful of those who, upon release, are forced to flee Belarus or are compelled to remain under continuous repression that effectively prolongs their punishment beyond imprisonment.

    Moreover, the Belarusian authorities continue to arrest and detain opponents or people perceived as such and to suppress independent media, in disregard of international obligations and OSCE principles and commitments.

    Against this background, we reiterate our call for the Belarusian authorities to: stop persecuting individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, to freedom of association and to peaceful assembly; immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, most urgently those with health issues and disabilities, the elderly and single parents and to ensure their rehabilitation; and, ensure fair and humane treatment of all prisoners, in particular by allowing prisoners who have been prevented from communicating with their families to do so, and by granting prompt access to appropriate medical care for those in need.

    We will continue to support the Belarusian people’s aspiration for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2025: Joint Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2025: Joint Statement to the OSCE

    UK and 41 other OSCE participating States mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

    Mr Chair, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of 42 participating States: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine, United Kingdom, the member states of the European Union and my own country Switzerland.

    On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This prohibition is clearly enshrined in international human rights law and international humanitarian law – in particular in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Convention against Torture. We recall that the prohibition of torture is also considered a peremptory norm of general international law (jus cogens) and therefore does not allow for any derogation, even in situations of emergency.

    Five years after the adoption of the Tirana Ministerial Council Decision on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the eradication of the use of torture in the OSCE region remains a distant goal. Torture and ill-treatment continue to occur across the region. Let us use this anniversary to redouble our efforts.

    Preventing torture requires transparency and independent monitoring. We call on all participating States to consider ratifying and implementing the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) and to ensure that independent and effective National Preventive Mechanisms are in place. Regular and unrestricted access to all places of detention is essential.

    In many detention facilities, conditions remain dire: overcrowding, lack of medical care, unsanitary conditions, prolonged isolation, and abuse during custody or interrogation. These conditions can amount to inhuman or degrading treatment and, at times, to torture.

    Perhaps even more pressing, torture has reemerged as a systematic and widespread practice in the context of armed conflict including occupation in the OSCE region. Torture and other inhuman treatment or acts may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the systematic use of torture by Russian forces has been thoroughly documented – including by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the OSCE Moscow Mechanism and ODIHR.

    Mr Chair, we are also alarmed by numerous reports of torture and ill-treatment used to suppress civil society and silence dissent. We express our strong support for civil society and human rights defenders. Their role in documentation, victim support and independent oversight is indispensable – and must be protected from reprisals.

    The use of torture and ill-treatment as means of intimidation, punishment or coercion are unacceptable in any context, and no derogation is permitted. We stand firm in our commitment to justice and accountability. These grave violations of international law, including human rights law and OSCE commitments, must not go unpunished.

    We urge all participating States to adopt a victim-centered and gender- responsive approach in all anti-torture efforts. Rehabilitation, justice and prevention must be guided by the voices and needs of survivors. The Méndez Principles should guide ethical and non-coercive interviewing practices.

    Mr Chair, torture must never be tolerated. Let us renew our collective efforts to uphold human dignity, support victims and survivors, and ensure accountability across the OSCE region and beyond.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Malign Activity in the OSCE Region: Joint statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Malign Activity in the OSCE Region: Joint statement to the OSCE

    Deputy Ambassador James Ford delivers a statement on behalf of the UK and Canada on the increasing malign activity faced by OSCE States across our region.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, and my own country the United Kingdom.

    I would like to thank the US for the opportunity to address this important topic. The principle that security is comprehensive and interconnected across the politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions sits at the very heart of the OSCE. But this is not the first time that this Council has had to address hybrid threats faced by participating States across our region.

    Hybrid activity can include espionage, transnational repression, foreign information manipulation and interference, malicious cyber activity, political interference, and sabotage – including of critical national infrastructure. These tactics are used to target all parts of societies, our citizens, institutions, journalists, universities, and businesses with the aim of undermining our national security.

    In recent years, such activity has increased in both frequency and intensity. As the UK has raised before, this includes arson in London, malign activity in various NATO and EU countries, and attempts to undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions in the leadup to last year’s October presidential elections.

    Moreover, the line between state and non-state actors is blurring as certain states increasingly use proxies, illicit finance and organised crime groups to facilitate and conduct hybrid attacks. Last week’s Economic and Environmental Committee highlighted the serious threat posed by the so-called ‘shadow fleet,’ an example of destabilising actions in the OSCE region in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The next Security Committee will examine how illicit financial networks enable transnational organised crime.     

    As the UK, we will continue to press for effective OSCE action to tackle reckless hybrid attacks and malign influence aimed at destabilising our society and the shared security principles on which this organisation is based.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join in the fun and help shape your community at family events

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Love Your Community fun days will be taking place at Pendeford Dovecotes TMO on Wednesday 30 July, the Cannock Road Gurdwara on Thursday 7 August, Lanesfield Church on Wednesday 13 August, and St Joseph’s Church, Coalway Road, on Wednesday 20 August. Each will run from 11am to 3pm and all are welcome.

    Partners including the City of Wolverhampton Council, community organisations and charities, the police and other service providers will be on hand to provide a day of enjoyment, wellbeing and practical support for people of all ages across four distinct zones.

    The Kids and Family Zone will include a bouncy castle and physical play, face painting, henna art and craft activities, while the Wellbeing Zone will offer a calm and supportive environment providing information and advice from partners like Rethink and the NHS as well as mindfulness sessions and journalling activities designed to promote self-care and reflection.

    Elsewhere, the Advice and Support Zone will offer residents financial tips, energy efficiency guidance and support with managing household budgets along with gardening workshops to encourage sustainable living and community greening, and the Sports and Physical Activity Zone will feature kickabouts with Wolves Foundation, calisthenics demonstrations, interactive sessions led by WV Active and appearances by Wolves mascots Wolfie and Wendy.

    Visitors will also be encouraged to contribute to the Love Your Community Wall, sharing what they value about their neighbourhood, contributing ideas for local improvements, and making a pledge to support positive change in their community.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “These Love Your Community events will bring residents together for fun, connection, and support. They are a great chance for people to find out more about what is going on locally, discover services that can make their lives easier, and share their ideas to improve their neighbourhood.

    “The Love Your Community initiative is designed to empower and encourage people to take pride in their local area through community events, shared spaces, support networks and inclusive activities.

    “This is important because we know that, when residents feel seen, heard, and included, their neighbourhoods flourish — and so does our city. So please come along, join the fun, and help shape the future of your community.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms safe seized after search

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Firearms safe seized after search

    Friday, 4 July 2025 – 4:14 pm.

    A 55-year-old woman is facing a court summons for offences under the Firearms Act, with police alleging she was trying to sell a non-compliant gun safe on social media.
    Acting on a public tip-off, police conducted a search of a property in southern Tasmania on Friday and seized a firearms safe along with an amount of ammunition that was not stored correctly.
    Police allege the safe was non-compliant because it was easily penetrable and had an insufficient locking mechanism.
    It is an offence under section 106A of the Firearms Act 1996, to advertise the sale of a firearms safe unless it complies with the requirements under the Act.
    Having firearms and ammunition stored correctly in a compliant safe reduces the risk of these items falling into the wrong hands.
    More information on storage and safekeeping can be found online at www.fas.police.tas.gov.au
    Anyone with information about firearm offences is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms and 6.2kg of cannabis seized in state’s North-West

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Firearms and 6.2kg of cannabis seized in state’s North-West

    Friday, 4 July 2025 – 2:05 pm.

    Police have seized about 6.2kg of cannabis, a quantity of cannabis plants and shortened firearms in searches of two properties in the state’s North-West.
    Police will allege ‘grow rooms’ and equipment for cannabis production were also located at the properties at Kindred and in Devonport.
    The 6.2kg of cannabis seized equates to about 2500 street deals.
    A 30-year-old man from the North-West has been arrested and charged with several firearms and drugs offences, including trafficking in cannabis and possessing unregistered firearms.
    An initial search of a property at Kindred on Tuesday by officers from the Western Drugs and Firearms Unit, Serious Organised Crime Unit and specialist resources located firearms including a shortened .22 bolt action rifle and a shortened 12-gauge shotgun.
    Police also seized two butterfly knives, an automatic knife, 12g of the drug ice, 3.7kg of cannabis, plus cannabis plants and drug utensils.
    In a search of a Devonport property, also on Tuesday, police seized a further 2.5kg of cannabis, cannabis plants, and a quantity of meat with security tags attached.
    The 30-year-old man appeared in the Burnie Magistrates Court on Wednesday and has been bailed to reappear at a later date.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Sky News AM Agenda

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    KENNY HEATLEY: Joining me live is Education Minister Jason Clare. Really appreciate your time, Minister. Thanks so much. Wow, tough week.

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thanks, mate.

    HEATLEY: Take us through the Commonwealth ‘Kindy Cops’, so it’s been called in the media today, and the unannounced spot checks on daycare centres. What powers exactly will they have?

    CLARE: This is just one of the things that we’re doing. The bottom line, I’ve been pretty blunt this week, is that whilst action is being taken here to keep our kids safe in our early education and care centres, not enough has been done and not fast enough.

    One of the things we will do is introduce legislation in the first sitting fortnight when Parliament comes back, which is about pulling the funding of child care centres that aren’t up to scratch, that are persistently failing in meeting the safety and quality standards that we as a country expect of them. One of the big weapons that the Commonwealth has, probably the biggest, is the funding that we provide to child care centres. Something like $16 billion dollars a year. Centres run based on that funding, if they don’t get it, they can’t operate. And what I’m saying is, if they’re not meeting those standards that we expect, then we should have the power to pull that funding off them. So, the bill will do that. The bill will also make sure that centres that aren’t meeting those minimum standards can’t expand and open another centre. But there’s another thing that the bill will do as well, and that gives the sort of people who work in my department, who investigate fraud in child care centres the ability to do spot checks, unannounced visits. They won’t need a warrant, they won’t need the police to come with them when they’re investigating fraud in child care centres. And the fact is, this happens. I’ve invested an extra $200 million dollars into the investigation of child care fraud over the last few years, and it’s clawed back about $300 million for taxpayers. It can involve a child care centre that claims that they might have a child there three days a week. The fact is, they’re only there two days a week, but they’re claiming three days a week. This will give powers to my department and my investigators to go in and check if the child is actually there. It’s just one of the things that we do to improve the integrity of this system, as well as the things we need to do to improve safety for children.

    HEATLEY: So, how many of these inspectors do you see coming on board and doing these checks across the country, and I guess, how much will it cost? You know, that sort of thing? Have we gotten that far yet?

    CLARE: I’ve got about 150 people who work in the investigative team in the department, but there are also investigators in the state-based regulators who can support our work as well. As I said, it costs money, but ultimately it saves the taxpayer money. The investment of about an extra $200 million dollars over the last few years has clawed back more than that in money we’ve saved from the fraud investigations we do.

    HEATLEY: Is the Government considering implementing real-time updates on working with children checks based on criminal records? And how difficult is that, considering that pretty much every state and territory has different standards?

    CLARE: It is difficult, but people aren’t interested in excuses; they want action. And this is one of the things that the Attorney-General, Michelle Rowland, spoke about the other day. Attorneys-General are going to meet next month and look at the steps that must be taken to improve criminal record checks and the criminal record check system. Part of it is about information sharing across borders, part of it is about making sure that it’s updated in near real-time. I caution that none of this is a silver bullet here. I’m not going to comment specifically on the case in Victoria because it will be before the court, but in other examples we’ve found people who’ve been convicted of assaulting children in child care centres where they had a criminal record check. Why? Because they didn’t have a criminal record and so they got through the system. The truth is here, there’s no silver bullet. There’s a whole bunch of things that we need to do, and this work will never end. There are always going to be more things that we need to do here because there’s always going to be people who are going to try and break through the net to try to do the dastardly things that we’ve seen other people do.

    HEATLEY: Goodstart is going to install CCTV in all of its centres, hundreds of them. Will you make it mandatory in daycare centres?

    CLARE: This is one of the things that Education Ministers, Early Education Ministers are going to talk about when we meet next month as well. It was a recommendation out of an independent review that New South Wales did and that it was released last week. One of the things that having a CCTV camera in a child care centre can do is if there’s somebody that’s potentially up to no good, they know the camera’s there. It means it’s less likely that they’re going to act. So, it’s one of the things we’re looking at right now —

    HEATLEY: Or they know which spots aren’t covered by CCTV and will potentially take a child there.

    CLARE: That’s why they have to be in the right places. If deterrence is going to work, how you set them up is just as critical as whether you’ve got them there at all.

    HEATLEY: Minister, there’s been a conversation this week about whether men should be working in child care centres at all. Do you have a view of that?

    CLARE: I was asked this question yesterday and I said, have a look at the Four Corners exposé, which revealed some pretty horrendous examples of physical abuse and neglect in our child care centres. And those examples weren’t men, they were women. This is not just about men or women. Whoever works in our child care centres, we’ve got to make sure that the safety of our system and the quality of our system is up to scratch. We’ve had a Royal Commission, I’ve commissioned a child care safety review, all of the recommendations that come out of that sort of work don’t talk about this. We know what we need to do. They recommend things like CCTV, like improving the Working with Children Check, like a national register of the people who work in our child care centres. They’re the sort of things we need to do. We’ve just got to crack on and do it.

    HEATLEY: Yeah, and there’s already staff shortages. And men can also be excellent role models in education settings, which is important for young children. But ratios are a problem, aren’t they? And there’s just too many kids per educators. And this may potentially allow educators to be on their own with children for long periods of time.

    CLARE: A little bit of good news when it comes to the number of people working in the sector, there are more now than there were three years ago. Part of that is because of the pay rise that’s rolling out now, the 15 per cent pay rise. A couple of years ago, people were leaving the sector in droves because they could get more money working at Bunnings or Woolies. That’s changing. Goodstart, who you mentioned, who are rolling out the CCTV cameras, they’re also seeing a massive uptick in job applications. I think something like 20 or 30 per cent. And across the board, we’re seeing a drop in vacancies of more than 20 per cent. So, more people wanting to work in the sector.

    Another thing that we need to look at here, mate, is the training that people get, both at TAFE and at university and on the job, to make sure that the fantastic people who work in this sector. And I’ve got to tell you, as angry as the parents are who are affected by this, and I know how you know the white hot anger that mums and dads are feeling in Victoria, because one of them is my friend and she’s made it bloody clear to me just how angry and confused she is with what’s happening at the moment. I’m angry too. But the other group of Australians who are furious at the moment are the fantastic people who work in these centres, whose reputations have been affected by what’s happening right now. I take my hat off to them. I know every mum and dad who have children in our centres take their hat off to them as well. The work they do is incredibly important, and we need more of them. We’ve got to make sure that the training that we provide them provides them with the supports they need, not just to do the job and to keep our kids safe, but to identify people at the centre who may be up to no good.

    HEATLEY: Just finally, Minister, Victoria has appointed former Labor Premier Jay Weatherill to lead the state’s child care inquiry, despite facing calls to resign after overseeing a child protection system in disarray in South Australia following a damning royal commission. Is he the right person, do you think? Do you have any view on that?

    CLARE: Look, I’m not interested in who does the work. I’m interested in the work that they do, in the recommendations that come out of this rapid review on the 15th of August. People are interested in action. I strongly support the work that the Victorian Government is doing in rolling out reform as quick as possible. The New South Wales Government is doing that as well. I think most Australians want to make sure that the politicians here, whether it’s state or federal, are working together and that we’re acting as quick as we possibly can. I want to see action. I want to see what comes out of that review.

    HEATLEY: Jason Clare thanks for making time for us today. Really appreciate it. It’s an important issue and we look forward to hearing that progress through Parliament in a few weeks time. Thanks again.

    CLARE: No worries, mate.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two charged over drive-by shooting at North Plympton

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Two men have now been charged over a drive-by shooting at a North Plympton barber shop in February.

    Just before 9.30pm on Thursday 20 February police were called to a business on Hawson Avenue after five shots were fired at the building.

    Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time and there were no reports of injuries.

    Southern District Detectives and Crime Scene investigators attended to examine the scene.

    Following investigations, this morning (Friday 4 July) Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives arrested two men over the matter.

    A 24-year-old Croydon Park man was charged with discharge a firearm to damage property, contravene a Firearms Prohibition Order and possess a firearm without a licence.

    A 49-year-old Fulham man, who was initially arrested in February, but charges were not pursued, was rearrested and charged with assisting an offender in connection with this incident.

    They were both refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

    Anyone with information about illegal firearms in the community is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    CO TBA

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PLASKETT AND MOYLAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO ESTABLISH CONGRESSIONAL TASK FORCE ON TERRITORY VOTING RIGHTS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

    For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
    July 3, 2025                                                    202-808-6129

    PRESS RELEASE

    PLASKETT AND MOYLAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO ESTABLISH CONGRESSIONAL TASK FORCE ON TERRITORY VOTING RIGHTS

    Washington, DC – Today—July 3, 2025—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-U.S. Virgin Islands) and Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam), introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a fifteen-member Congressional Task Force to develop a report on a path for Voting Rights for United States Citizen Residents of Territories, which will be terminated upon issuing its report to Congress. The announcement comes on Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, underscoring the historical significance of expanding democratic participation for all Americans.

    This legislation builds upon the framework established by House Democrats in the 116th and 117th Congresses in the For the People Act – when the Task Force provision received broad bipartisan support. The Task Force is structured to maintain bipartisan representation from both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

    “Today, on Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, we take a critical step toward addressing one of the most glaring inequities in our democracy. The timing of this announcement honors the historic significance of July 3, 1848, when enslaved people in the Danish West Indies—now the U.S. Virgin Islands—gained their freedom, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for equal rights and representation.” said Congresswoman Plaskett.

    “More than 3.5 million Americans living in U.S. territories are denied the fundamental right to vote for President and lack full representation in Congress. The last five territories of the United States remain in a perpetual limbo status with no path to full inclusion for residents. Congress has a constitutional responsibility for the territories, and this legislation will provide an avenue for Congress to examine access to the ballot for its residents and address this democratic deficit,” Plaskett continued.

    “Territories proudly send their sons and daughters in harm’s way to serve in our Armed Forces at higher rates than the States. Yet, we cannot vote for our Commander-in-Chief, nor vote in the House of Representatives, nor have our voices heard in the Senate,” Congressman Moylan stated. “The task force we are seeking to establish would study the long-term effects that this has and what barriers there are to voting representations. It is important that we look at how we can guarantee American citizens in the Territories have a seat at the table.”

    “As Congressman Moylan shared, residents of our territories serve in the armed forces in disproportionate numbers but cannot vote for their Commander in Chief. This Task Force takes vital steps to address the inclusion of residents of the U.S. Territories, where millions of Americans currently lack equal representation and equal voting power. We cannot continue to accept second-class citizenship for Americans based solely on their geographic location.” Plaskett emphasized.

    “I would like to thank Congressman Moylan for his partnership in co-leading this legislation and invite my colleagues to join us in our fight for fundamental fairness and ensuring that all Americans have a voice in their government, regardless of which territory or state they call home,” Plaskett concluded.

    Background

    The fifteen-member Congressional Task Force will be appointed by congressional leadership from both parties to ensure bipartisan representation. The Task Force is required to provide a status update to Congress 180 days after enactment and submit a comprehensive report within one year examining impediments to voting rights in territories and recommended changes for full and equal representation. The Task Force has authority to hold hearings, consult with territorial governments, and utilize existing congressional resources before terminating upon submitting its final report.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two members of Outlaws Motorcycle Club charged with drug offences

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Two members of Outlaws Motorcycle Club charged with drug offences

    Friday, 4 July 2025 – 11:00 am.

    Detectives from Tasmania Police have charged two members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, including a senior club official, with serious drug offences following an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity in the state’s North West.
    A 36-year-old man and 51-year-old man were arrested and have been formally charged with multiple drug-related offences, including trafficking in a controlled substance and dealing with proceeds of crime.
    The arrests were made as part of a targeted police operation aimed at disrupting the distribution of illicit drugs and dismantling the criminal networks facilitating their supply.
    Search warrants were executed at multiple properties in the Devonport area, resulting in the seizure of a quantity of amphetamine, methylamphetamine, steroids, drug paraphernalia, and a significant amount of cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
    “These arrests demonstrate Tasmania Police’s ongoing commitment to targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and reducing the harm they cause in our communities through drug distribution and organised criminal activity,” said Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer.
    Both men will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date.
    Investigations remain ongoing, and police urge anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact  police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: One year on: Labour ‘haemorrhaging’ support to the Greens over Gaza and welfare cuts

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Labour is ‘haemorrhaging’ support to the Greens over its failure to oppose the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza and its plans to slash support for disabled people.  

    The Green Party is now polling consistently around 10%, a 43% increase from their 2024 vote share that saw them gain a record vote count of close to two million, while polling this week shows that 2024 Labour voters are more likely to say they would now vote for the Greens than for Reform. Among young people, 30% of under-30s now say they will vote Green compared to just 25% saying they will vote Labour. 

    Greens point to their consistently principled approach to issues such as Gaza, disability benefits, and the climate crisis as key reasons why they are winning support from Labour in droves.  

    “A year into this Labour government, all voters have seen from them is disappointment, failure and capitulation,” said Adrian Ramsay MP, Co-Leader of The Green Party. “From failing to take decisive action to prevent the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza to cruel cuts to support for disabled people – all across the country, people are feeling that the Labour party they voted for has abandoned them.  

    “That’s playing out in the support we’re seeing coming from Labour to the Greens, and the u-turns we’ve seen from Starmer over winter fuel payments and welfare cuts show that he knows he risks losing not just votes but seats to the Greens at the next election.”  

    Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central and Co-Leader of the Green Party, said:  

    “After a litany of broken promises, it’s no surprise that Labour are haemorrhaging support to the Greens. Labour promised to make life better for people, but instead they kept the two-child benefit cap and stripped winter fuel payments from pensioners. They promised to tackle the climate crisis, but they’ve given the go-ahead to climate-wrecking airport expansion. They promised to end the housing crisis, but they’ve given developers a blank cheque to bulldoze nature to build luxury homes while failing to build the social housing we need.” 

    Denyer continued, “Meanwhile, voters have seen the Greens consistently standing up for the values that they hold dear: protecting the planet for future generations, opposing genocide, and supporting the most vulnerable in society.”  

    The Green MPs point to a series of successes over the past 12 months, including:   

    • Leading the opposition to the government’s welfare cuts which led to an 11th hour climbdown   
    • Helped to win the reversal of winter fuel cuts and expansion of free school meals 
    • Raising the alarm about the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza  
    • Successfully pushing for solar panels to be put on all new homes  
    • Putting pressure on government to make it easier for councils to crack down on rogue landlords, leading to a change in the rules.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister marks lives given in public service.

    First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to the eight Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem.

    The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who died in public service. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or a terrorist attack.

    The First Minister said:

    “I warmly welcome the awarding of The Elizabeth Emblem to these individuals and their families.

    “This recognition enables us to remember their sacrifice and their lives dedicated to public service. They made Scotland a better place for us all and we continue to honour their memory.”

    The family of Dunblane Primary School teacher Gwen Mayor including her husband Rodney Mayor said:

    “As a family we are extremely proud and honoured to be receiving this award on behalf of Gwen. We always believed her actions that day deserved more recognition.

    “You would have to have known Gwen to know that she would have done whatever trying to protect the children in her care. She paid the ultimate price for that commitment. Finally we now feel that she has been honoured for what happened that day.”

    The full list of Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem are:

    • Joseph Stewart Drake, a Constable with Stirling and Clackmannan Constabulary. He died on 11 August 1967 when a stolen lorry intentionally struck his car at Dennyloanhead as he tried to intercept it. 
    • Gwen Mayor, Primary 1 teacher at Dunblane Primary School died on 13 March 1996 alongside 15 of her pupils when a gunman entered the school.
    • Rodney (Rod) Moore, a retired NHS paramedic from Falkirk with 40 years’ service, rejoined the Scottish Ambulance Service to support its Covid-19 response and died on 21 November 2020 having contracted coronavirus.
    • Roderick Nicolson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter died at Perth Harbour on 4 December 1995. He was attempting to rescue workers who became trapped in a silo filled with five tonnes of sodium carbonate ash.
    • Richard Paul North, a Constable with Tayside Police died on 17 March 1987. He was on duty driving a marked police patrol car when it collided with another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was under the influence of drink and drugs.
    • William Oliver of the Glasgow Salvage Corps died at the Cheapside Street whisky bond fire on 28 March 1960. He was instantly killed alongside 18 others when some casks ruptured causing a massive boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion.
    • Ewan Williamson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. He became trapped in a fire at the Balmoral Bar public house in Edinburgh and died on 12 July 2009.
    • Alastair Soutar, of HM Customs and Excise died of his injuries on 29 July 1996 after he was crushed between ‘The Sentinel’ HM Customs and Excise vessel and the ‘Ocean Jubilee’ smugglers vessel. Mr Soutar, from Dundee, was participating in Operation Balvenie to apprehend drug smugglers.

    Background

    The Elizabeth Emblem is a national form of recognition conferred by His Majesty The King and was established last year.
    The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Summer blitz on town centre crime

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Summer blitz on town centre crime

    Over 500 town centres have signed up to the Home Secretary’s Safer Streets summer blitz that will see increased police patrols and local action .

    Thousands of shoppers and businesses will see increased police presence, stronger prevention and enforcement action by police and councils to support safer high streets this summer.   

    Over recent years street crime has sky-rocketed, with theft from the person more than doubling between December 2022 and December 2024, and there has been record levels of shop theft, up by more than 60% – with offenders increasingly using violence and abuse against shopworkers.

    This marks a key step in delivering the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which from July will see named, contactable officers in every community, increased peak time patrols in town centres and anti-social behaviour leads in every force.  

    Commissioned by the Home Secretary, Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales have developed bespoke local action plans with police, businesses and local councils to crackdown on crime this summer.  

    The aim is to support town centres to be vibrant places where people want to live, work and spend time, and restore faith in community policing after years of declining police officer presence on Britain’s streets.  

    These plans include increased visible town centre policing and ramping up the use of targeted enforcement powers against troublemakers – including banning perpetrators from hotspots.  

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:  

    High streets and town centres are the very heart of our communities. Residents and businesses have the right to feel safe in their towns. But the last government left a surge in shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour which has left too many town centres feeling abandoned. 

    It’s time to turn this round, that’s why I have called on police forces and councils alike to work together to deliver a summer blitz on town centre crime to send a clear message to those people who bring misery to our towns that their crimes will no longer go unpunished. 

    The fact that 500 towns have signed up shows the strength of feeling on this issue. 

    Through our Safer Streets Mission and Plan for Change, we are putting officers back on the beat where you can see them and making our town centres safe again.

    The summer initiative will also support young people, making sure there are activities across the 500 towns for young people to be involved in throughout the holidays. 

    The Home Office, alongside police, retailers and industry are also launching a new Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy, which will use shared data to assist in disrupting not just organised criminal gangs, but all types of perpetrators including prolific offenders who are stealing to fund an addiction and ‘opportunist’ offenders. 

    Creating thriving town centres where businesses and communities can flourish supports the government’s growth mission, raising living standards, backing local economies and supporting communities. 

    Initiatives taking place this summer include:  

    • in Humberside, police are using real-time mapping to deliver dynamic patrols to target emerging problem locations while reassuring local communities
    • in Devon and Cornwall, police are embedding specialist anti-social behaviour lawyers to fast-track enforcement activity
    • in Derbyshire, police have developed a Night Time Economy Charter to help deliver consistent proactive policing and coordinated management across the four largest local town centres
    • in Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police are targeting seasonal, tourist towns through early police visibility, deterrence and community reassurance
    • in Nottinghamshire, police have introduced a new diversionary intervention programme for Out of Court Resolutions with conditions attached for problem offenders

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    We are on the side of local businesses, and our Plan for Change is helping create the right conditions for our great British high streets to thrive.  

    The Safer Streets Summer Initiative will play a vital role in achieving this by keeping footfall high, communities and those that work in them safe, and the economy growing. 

    Shop theft and the abuse of shopworkers has become an endemic problem for Britain’s high streets with many shopworkers victimised in the same communities where they live.

    The government is set to introduce a new law to protect shop workers from this vile abuse. 

    Record levels of shop theft have been driven not just by organised crime gangs but drug addiction for some prolific offenders and opportunism for others. 

    The new Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy will bring together multiple sources of data from industry and policing to create a single avenue for intelligence to help better target and respond to perpetrators. 

    Police and retailers will also team up with security firms and local communities to locate the highest harm areas and identify the role offender management programmes can play in breaking the cycle of crime for repeat offenders.   

    Anthony Hemmerdinger, Managing Director, Boots said:  

    Retail theft alongside intimidation and abuse of our team members is unacceptable, so we welcome this additional support from government and the police to strengthen shopworker protection.  

    While we continue to invest significantly in schemes to deter and disrupt crime, including our state-of-the-art CCTV monitoring centre and bodycams for our team members in stores, it is only through collaboration with government, police forces, and local communities, that we can ensure high streets feel like welcoming and safe spaces for people to work, shop and visit, all the time.

    Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Emily Spurrell said: 

    Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Deputy Mayors know how much people want to rid their neighbourhoods of criminal and anti-social behaviour (ASB) that blights too many communities. Tackling retail crime and ASB is essential to allowing our town centres to flourish. People have a right to feel safe and shop workers shouldn’t have to defend their stores against regular and organised theft, putting themselves at risk of violence.  

    As the public’s voice in policing, we have long understood that neighbourhood policing is key to addressing these issues which is why we welcomed the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. It will see thousands more officers on our streets and introduce specialist training for them to operate effectively within local communities, building trust.  

    With our local police forces and other partners in support of the Safer Streets Summer initiative, PCCs and Deputy Mayors will be working harder than ever to target criminal and anti-social behaviour so that people feel safe and have pride in where they live and work. We are determined to deliver real and demonstrable change so that communities and town centres can thrive and prosper.

    The initiative launches today at an event hosted by the Home Office and the English Football League at Derby County Football Club, attended by partner representatives from police, businesses, local councils and local government.  

    It will see increased collaborative community-led interventions across sectors such as schemes to keep kids out of trouble during the summer holidays and targeted prevention activity with businesses, to not only tackle crime, but prevent crime and anti-social behaviour happening in the first place. 

    English Football League’s Director of Community Debbie Cook said:  

    Today at Derby County Football Club, EFL in the Community was proud to stand alongside the Home Office as the government reaffirmed its commitment to working hand-in-hand with trusted local organisations — like our clubs — to prioritise public safety and tackle town centre crime, street violence, and anti-social behaviour. 

    Beyond the pitch, football clubs and their charities across England and Wales play a transformative role in people’s lives. Through innovative initiatives — like Bristol City Foundation’s free ‘turn-up and play’ sessions in supermarket car parks and South Yorkshire clubs uniting to combat violence against women and girls — our clubs are contributing to creating safer, stronger, and more connected communities. We look forward to this work continuing and growing.

    Harvinder Saimbhi, CEO of ASB Help, said:  

    We welcome the Safer Streets Summer Initiative as we know that ASB can increase during these months with lighter nights and improved weather. One of the most effective ways to address shop theft, street theft and anti-social behaviour is through effective partnerships that work proactively in addressing and tackling issues at the forefront.  

    This proactive initiative will contribute towards communities and businesses in feeling safer by seeing boosted police presence and council operations working together to make town centres safer. We are pleased to see that this initiative will not be only enforcement driven but will focus on creating more positive activities for young people and keeping vulnerable groups safer where everyone can feel secure.

    Hetal Patel, National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) said:  

    This crackdown on shop theft, street theft and anti-social behaviour is timely and welcome. Shop theft is often seen as a victimless crime but this is not the case. It takes a heavy toll mentally, physically and financially on shop owners, their families and their employees. At the same time, the financial costs of retail crime will eventually impact on customers through inflated prices. 

    ASB, meanwhile, can cost independent retailers dear in terms of cleaning and clearing up, as well as increasing premiums, deterring footfall and shoppers. 

    A recent Fed survey found that 72% of respondents had experienced shoplifting, break ins and damage to their property and they and their staff had been physically or verbally threatened.  A whopping 91% of respondents called for more police patrols on streets. 

    Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and for their businesses to be protected against criminals.

    Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods said:  

    Our colleagues and customers are our number one priority at Iceland, and I hope this increase in visible policing will give them more confidence to enjoy our high streets and communities in safety this summer.

    Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: 

    With the huge rise in retail theft and the continued impact of violence and abuse on retail colleagues, we welcome the announcement of increased police patrols and local action to tackle town centre crime and anti-social behaviour. We must stamp out this scourge of crime up and down the country, and this announcement is certainly a step in the right direction.

    Superintendent Lisa Maslen of the National Business Crime Centre said:  

    Retail crime continues to have a significant impact on businesses, staff, and communities across the country. The Tackling Retail Crime Together strategy and campaign is about strengthening the vital partnerships between policing and the retail sector to deliver meaningful action. The NBCC received £2 million of funding from the Home Office to support police and partners in tackling retail crime and we have used some of the funding to develop the first national campaign to highlight the amount of work being done to respond to, prevent and detect retail crime offences across the country.

    There will also be increased collaborative community led interventions across sectors such as schemes to keep kids out of trouble during the summer holidays and targeted prevention activity with businesses, to not only tackle crime but prevent crime and anti-social behaviour happening in the first place.

    Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie said: 

    We all deserve to live and work in a safe environment and the Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy has been developed to fuse industry knowledge and data with policing powers.   

    With momentum building as towns across the country rally behind this initiative, the intelligence shared will inform a collaborative approach across regions and enable the right interventions to be deployed to break the cycle of offending.  

    Together, our actions will deter potential offenders, ensure criminals face consequences and ultimately create safer, thriving communities.

    The APCC joint leads for Business and Retail Crime, Katie Bourne OBE, Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, and Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, said: 

    This strategy is an acknowledgement of the urgent need to focus on tackling unacceptable levels of shop theft and violence against retail workers.  

    We are delighted that the success of the Police and Crime Commissioner-led Pegasus partnership of retailers, Home Office and police has been recognised and is being built upon.  

    Through the work of Pegasus and policing’s Opal team, a hugely effective, data-led and intelligence-sharing approach has been developed that focuses on organised retail crime gangs with greater police and retailer working at its heart.

    Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for retail crime, said:  

    We know retail crime has a significant impact on victims, damages businesses and communities and goes far beyond financial loss. We also know it is a complex problem with a diverse offender profile and is something which requires a strong partnership approach, tackling the issues together. 

    Over the last two years we have made significant strides in our fight against retail crime, strengthening relationships with retailers and greatly improving information sharing which has resulted in a number of high harm offenders being brought to justice and the new Retail Crime Strategy builds on this even further. It brings together policing, retailers, the security industry and academia in a shared strategy which makes best use of our collective resources to turn the tide on the volume of offending blighting our communities. 

    A collective approach is key, ensuring everyone can enjoy where they live, work and spend their leisure time safely. 

    Clare Sumner, Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer at the Premier League said: 

    The Premier League welcomes the government’s proposals to create opportunities for young people as part of its Safer Streets Summer Initiative. For the last 20 years, our Premier League Kicks programme has provided support for young people who need it the most, funding free weekly football sessions across 93 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs.  

    Through the power of football, we offer real opportunities for young people to develop vital life skills and reach their potential, supported by club coaches from similar backgrounds who help to inspire, guide and mentor them to a better future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City to hold free nature events during July school holidays

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo is again holding a series of free events to highlight the region’s natural environment and biodiversity during the July School Holidays.

    City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said the free events will both educate and entertain participants.

    “We held a series of similar events during the last school holidays which proved very popular,” Ms Wyatt said.

    “Our region has a diversity of wildlife and the free sessions help residents to learn about their unique characteristics and understand the importance of caring for the habitats they live in.”

    The free events include:

    • Evening Bat Fly-out on Tuesday July 8 and Tuesday July 15, 5pm – 6.30pm at Rosalind Park
    • Nature by Night on Thursday July 10 and Thursday July 17, 5.30pm – 7pm along the O’Keefe Rail Trail
    • Winter Wander on Saturday July 12, 10am – 12pm in Junortoun Flora and Fauna Reserve
    • Bats of Bendigo on Tuesday July 15, 10am – 11.30am at Rosalind Park
    • Nature in the Mall on Thursday July 17, 11am – 2pm at Hargreaves Mall

    For more information, or to book, visit:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: DP World Australia’s proposed acquisition of Silk Logistics not opposed

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC will not oppose DP World Australia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Silk Logistics Holdings Limited (ASX:SLH).

    Following an extensive investigation, including considering detailed responses to its statement of issues, the ACCC concluded that the proposed acquisition would not likely result in a substantial lessening of competition.

    DP World Australia operates container stevedores at the Ports of Botany (Sydney), Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle. On average, DP World Australia services approximately a third of the containers processed at these ports.

    Silk is a national container logistics provider in Australia. It hauls import and export containers using trucks to and from ports where DP World Australia operates.

    The ACCC considered the integration of DP World Australia’s container terminals with Silk’s national container transport and warehousing business and the potential impact on container transport service providers in the supply chain. 

    The ACCC focussed on whether DP World Australia would have the ability and incentive to engage in discriminatory conduct against Silk’s container transport rivals by raising their costs or lowering their quality of access to DP World Australia’s terminals.

    ACCC analysis indicated that DP World Australia is unlikely to engage in forms of discriminatory conduct which would lead to material operational delays and disruption at DP World’s terminals. A reduction in DP World Australia’s ability to efficiently process containers at its terminals would risk DP World Australia losing shipping lines to other terminals, damaging its own business. 

    “Although DP World Australia may be able to engage in subtle forms of discrimination without adversely affecting its primary function as a container terminal, such conduct is unlikely to reach a level so as to substantially lessen competition,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    “DP World Australia would continue to face competition from a range of established and prospective container transport providers.”

    The ACCC has an ongoing role in monitoring Australia’s container freight industry. This involves tracking prices, costs and profits of container terminals, gathering information from the container freight industry, and providing a monitoring report to the government each year.

    More information on the ACCC’s role in this area can be found here: Container stevedoring monitoring.

    Further information on this transaction can be found on the ACCC’s public register: DP World Australia Limited – Silk Logistics Holdings Limited.

    Background

    Container stevedores are responsible for lifting containers on and off container ships. They are a key part of international trade.

    DP World Australia provides port and general logistics services. Its main business is the provision of container stevedoring services and operation of container terminals at each of the Ports of Melbourne, Botany, Brisbane and Fremantle.

    In addition to its stevedoring services, DP World Australia:

    • operates an empty container park in each of the areas surrounding the Ports of Brisbane, Melbourne and Botany,
    • has a 50 per cent interest in a vehicle booking system, that container transport providers use for the purpose of collecting/delivering containers at several Australian ports, and
    • operates a limited fleet of container transport trucks in Melbourne and Sydney.

    DP World Australia is an indirect subsidiary of DP World Limited (DPW). DPW provides freight forwarding and contract logistics services in Australia.

    Silk is an ASX listed port-to-door services provider offering warehousing, distribution and port logistics services. It operates 46 facilities across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

    Silk’s operations are categorised into two divisions:

    • port logistics: road transport of import and export containers to and from ports in Australia, in addition to ancillary services (such as fumigation, quarantine inspection, packing/unpacking services), and
    • contract logistics: warehousing and distribution services. Warehousing services relate to receiving containerised freight, unpacking it, palletising it, storing it and then packing and dispatching it to the destination. Distribution services refer to the transportation of goods from warehouses to delivery points, such as retail premises, factories or households.

    Below is a diagram summarising the movement of containers along the supply chain and the typical commercial relationships between key parties. The blue boxes refer to parts of the supply chain at the port precinct.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 241 county lines shut down following national action

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Criminal gangs who exploit children and vulnerable adults to supply drugs across the country were targeted last week in a national police operation, which led to 241 County Lines shut down.

    County Lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines to enable the supply of drugs.

    The intensification week saw:

    • 1965 arrests made (adults is 91.7% and children 8.3%)
    • Approx. 2.4 million cash seized
    • 325 bladed weapons seized (inc knives, machetes, axes & swords)
    • 93 other weapons seized (inc knuckledusters, ASPS, batons, hammers, nun chucks)
    • 83 Firearms seized (15 S.1, 29 S.5 and 39 imitation plus ammunition)
    • 241 deal lines seized
    • Approx. 178.49 kg of Class A drugs (16.1kg crack, 11kg heroin, 151.3kg cocaine)
    • Approx. 7,217 Class A wraps seized ready for sale
    • Approx. 11,200 thousand cannabis plants
    • 6 Dangerous Dogs seized
    • 584 cuckooed addresses visited
    • 395 females safeguarded (214 adults, 181 under 18)
    • 784 males safeguarded (345 adults, 439 under 18)

    Often, children and vulnerable adults are groomed to transport drugs and money to different parts of the country. Last week local officers worked with charities and safeguarding services to ensure 620 children and 559 adults identified as being exploited were supported via numerous routes including, specialist support referrals (such as to Catch22 or London’s Violence and Exploitation Service), strategy meetings, safety plans created and Modern Slavery investigations.

    The Police are bringing victimless prosecutions for modern slavery offences against perpetrators, just one of the many ways officers are protecting young people. Victimless prosecutions ensure children and vulnerable adults are spared the ordeal of having to go through the court process to give evidence and face the violent and abusive individual responsible for their suffering.

    Commander Paul Brogden, NPCC lead for County Lines, said: “Protecting communities is our top priority and the arrests of these organised criminals who control and hold drug lines will contribute hugely to this.

    “Over the past week we have seen an overwhelming amount of drugs seized and arrests made and this will have had a substantial impact on drug supply and associated crime, particularly violence, that comes with it.

    “The intensification work isn’t just about arrests and seizures, it’s also about crime prevention, identifying the people being exploited for other’s gain and making sure they receive the best support possible.

    “To be clear, we remain persistent in pursuing these offenders and our officers work tirelessly all year round to identify and close down these drug lines. We will continue to root out those who are exploiting the vulnerable and supplying drugs which devastates communities across the country.”

    Highlights

    Officers across the country concentrated efforts to crack down on County Lines.

    • In a joint operation between BTP and Northamptonshire Police, officers arrested four suspects linked to a county line at their home addresses. As a result, five mobile phones, approximately 7g of crack cocaine and 10g of heroin as well as 43 wraps of crack cocaine and 43 wraps of heroin, 99.5g of mixing agent, and a total of £33,000 cash seized. Both the drugs and cash were found concealed in the extractor fans in the kitchen of their respective addresses and in a hide in one of the vehicles. They were arrested for the supply of crack cocaine, heroin, and money laundering.
      A child found at one of the addresses has also been referred to social services.
    • Eastern Region Special Operations Unit arrested a man for the supply of class A and B drugs and seized a phone which contained marketing texts consistent with cocaine supply.
    • Officers from East Midlands Special Operations Unit conducted a search at an address in Derby where £3,400 in cash, approximately £2,130 worth of class A drugs, 213 wraps (23 heroin and 190 crack cocaine) 4g of cannabis, and two burner phones, were found and seized. A man was subsequently arrested for supply of class A, possession of class B drugs and driving a motor vehicle without a license. He was remanded to court where he pleaded guilty to all offences and has been remanded into custody.
    • BTP officers observed a suspect exiting a B&B and entering a vehicle known for drug dealing. The vehicle was stopped, and both the suspect and the driver were arrested. Over 18 grams of heroin and six wraps of cocaine and £1,000 cash, as well as an axe and two imitation guns, were seized.
    • West Mercia Police executed a warrant in stoke where three men and two women were arrested following a seizure of 8kg cannabis, 2kg amphetamine, 1.2kg cocaine, 5kg cannabis resin, £50,000 cash and a knuckleduster. Children found at the address were also safeguarded.
    • Dedicated County Lines investigators within Lincolnshire Constabulary, completed enforcement activity on the ‘Yum Yum’ drugs line, identified via intelligence and phone data. Following the arrest and closure of this County Line, a child victim of exploitation was identified. A subsequent Modern Slavery investigation was commenced, and an adult male was charged with the trafficking of a 15year old child.

    Analysis by the NPCC-led National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) has shown that many of the drug dealers are known to police for offences of violence and/or weapons whilst Dame Carol Blacks independent review of drugs found that County Lines is a very violent business model and a big causal factor in drug-related violence across the UK.   

    Coordinated by the NCLCC, the County Lines Intensification Week (Monday 23 – Sunday, 29 June) saw approximately 178.49 kg of Class A drugs, 500 weapons including 325 bladed weapons (e.g. knives), and £2.4 million in cash seized by officers across England and Wales, making a huge dent in the profit these gangs are making from their violent illegal business.

    This activity forms a key part of our national County Lines policing strategy, which aims to prevent County Lines, protect children and vulnerable adults, prepare communities to mitigate against the harms and impact, and pursue offenders including for Drugs Supply, Modern Slavery and Weapons offences: National County Lines Policing Strategy 2024-27.

    Our dedicated County Lines teams, funded via the national County Lines Programme, are working hard to deliver this strategy, alongside Neighbourhood Policing Teams, limiting the terrible harms County Lines causes to local communities. This is aligned to HM Government’s Safer Streets mission, particularly halving knife crime and preventing criminal gangs enticing children into crime. During the week officers seized hundreds of weapons, particularly knives, demonstrating the inherent link between drugs and violence.

    Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson said: “County Lines drug running relies on the coercion and exploitation of children and vulnerable people. It must be stopped. 

    “I want to thank every police officer who dedicates themselves to combatting this criminality. I recently saw firsthand how hard they work to close lines, bring perpetrators to justice and safeguard those exploited by this evil trade.

    “Protecting vulnerable people should always be at the heart of the police’s response and is why the government has introduced new laws which will punish the heartless gangs who lure people into their illegal trade further- including specific offences of child criminal exploitation, cuckooing and coerced internal concealment.”

    Tackling County Lines requires a multi-agency approach and our dedicated policing teams work alongside key partners to deliver that response. This County Lines intensification week ran in partnership with The Children’s Society and their #LookCloser campaign to spot the signs of exploitation in children and young people.

    James Simmonds-Read, National Programme Manager at The Children’s Society, said: “Too many children continue to be exploited by criminals to carry and sell drugs, often under threat, at great personal risk and with devastating consequences for their lives. 

    “We speak to young people all the time who tell us that adults won’t take action to keep them safe; instead they feel judged and blamed – their vulnerabilities overlooked or ignored. 

    “County Lines Intensification Week is a chance to show them that adults do care and will step in to protect them. 

    “The government’s pledge to define criminal child exploitation is a vital step that will mean that children caught up in county lines are recognised as victims, not offenders, and can be given the support they deserve.” 

    Safecall
    Missing People’s Safecall service provided a confidential and anonymous helpline and support service for young people and family members in England and Wales that are affected by County Lines and criminal exploitation. The service also provides confidential support and advice for professionals in relation to their work with an exploited young person or family. Call or text 116000 for free, 9am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

    Catch22
    Victims of County Lines exploitation also received support from Catch22, a not-for-profit, one-to-one specialist support service for young people under 25, helping children escape drug gangs in four priority locations – London, West Midlands, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, where young people are often targeted.  

    Catch22 will safely make contact with young people who have been referred by safeguarding partners, such as the police and children’s services, and work with them to exit their involvement in County Lines activity.

    Anyone can refer in, including young people themselves. You can find the Support and Rescue service referral forms on the service website for more information. For more information and useful resources about Child Exploitation and County Lines, you can visit our website. For example, you can download Catch On, our free educational resource about Child Exploitation aimed at pupils in Years 7 and 8 (aged 11-13). 

    Kate Wareham, Strategic Director – Young People Families and Communities, Catch22 says: “As policing efforts rightly intensify to disrupt criminal networks, we must be equally focused on ensuring that exploited children are not swept up as offenders.

    “These children are victims first and foremost, who are coerced and controlled – and they need safeguarding, not prosecution. The government’s recent commitment to a statutory definition of Child Criminal Exploitation is a crucial step, but now we must ensure that this translates into practice. At Catch22, across our County Lines and Child Exploitation services, we remain committed to working with partners across the system to protect every child from harm and help them build a safer future.”

    Action for Children
    Action for Children offers support to children and their families who are affected by criminal exploitation.

    Through their Criminal Exploitation Intervention Service, they support children, young people, and families affected by exploitation. By drawing on lived experience and working in close partnership with the police and other agencies, they help protect children from harm and guide them toward safety and stability.

    Action for Children also advocate for stronger legal protections for children who are criminally exploited—recognising the complex reality that these children are often both victims of abuse and may be criminalised for actions linked to their exploitation.  It is vital that we confront the risks these children face, and ensure they are supported, not punished. Read more: Criminally Exploited Children | Action For Children

    Together we can build stronger communities, safer streets and more trust, you should report any concerns to the police on 101. If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016. Dial 999 if there is an immediate risk to a child. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or call their helpline on 0800 555111. If concerns arise online people should also contact the relevant digital platform.

    Background info:

    County Lines – Strategic Threat Risk Assessment

    Review of drugs: summary (accessible version) – GOV.UK

    County Lines Programme data – GOV.UK

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elizabeth Emblem awarded to families of public servants who died in the line of duty

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Elizabeth Emblem awarded to families of public servants who died in the line of duty

    More than 100 public servants who died in service recognised in the second ever Elizabeth Emblem List

    106 police officers, firefighters, overseas workers and other public servants who died in service have been recognised with the Elizabeth Emblem.

    The Elizabeth Emblem recognises the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack. 

    Established last year, it is only the second ever list of Elizabeth Emblem recipients to be published. The next of kin are awarded the national form of recognition.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, said: 

    We owe an enduring debt to the public servants who give their lives to protect others.

    The Elizabeth Emblem is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid in service of our communities, it is a lasting symbol of our national gratitude for their incredible sacrifice.

    The list includes:

    Gwen Mayor, a school teacher who was killed in 1996 while protecting her pupils at Dunblane Primary School in 1996 as a result of a mass shooting. She died aged 45 alongside 15 pupils.

    Police Constable Nina Mackay, who died aged 25 when confronted with a violent and mentally unstable man while searching a property in East London. The man stabbed her once in the abdomen, and she died from her injuries.

    Firefighter John Liptrot, who in 1968 was part of a fire crew called to attempt to rescue three children who had entered a disused mineshaft. He was overcome by blackdamp (a combination of gases with insufficient oxygen to support human life) and could not be revived.

    Police Constable Dennis Cowell, who died in 1965 whilst on duty as a River Policeman. He died in the river Thames after a police launch on which he was a crew member, capsized after a collision between three boats. PC Cowell was in the cabin at the time of the incident and drowned.

    Six people who contracted COVID-19 while working in healthcare are recognised in the list. These include Dr Poornima Nair Balupuri, a General Practitioner Partner living in Bishop Auckland. She died in 2020 doing frontline essential work. 

    33 people on the list were police officers and firefighters based in Northern Ireland. They include:

    Reserve Constable William Allen, who was serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary when he was shot by the IRA while driving a lorry to collect milk from farms in South Armagh. His body was recovered in 1980.

    Constable Cyril Wilson, who was shot by the IRA in an ambush in 1974. His patrol was responding to answer a call when it came under fire from a house in the Rathmore estate. Constable Wilson was rushed to Craigavon Area Hospital but died the next day.

    Reserve Constable Robert Struthers, who died in 1978 while serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary. He was shot by two members of the Provisional IRA while working in his office.

    The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.

    Families and next of kin of those who have died in public service are encouraged to apply for an Elizabeth Emblem via gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Culbokie ELC rated very good in latest Care Inspectorate Inspection report

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council welcomes the positive Care Inspectorate Inspection report following a recent unannounced inspection visit to Culbokie Primary School Nursery, Dingwall.

    Following the inspection, Culbokie Primary School Nursery received the following:

    • How good is our care, play and learning? – 5 Very Good
    • How good is our setting? –  5 Very Good
    • How good is our leadership? – 5 Very Good
    • How good is our staff team – 5 Very Good

    Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The recent unannounced inspection at Culbokie Primary School Nursery from the Care Inspectorate received an outstanding report, reflecting the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the caring staff at the setting to create an inclusive, safe and nurturing ethos for all pupils attending.

    “The report found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided and how these supported positive outcomes for children, the child centred approach by all staff, with supportive and highly skilled leadership and robust quality assurance processes that enable Culbokie Nursery to deliver high quality care and support tailored to meet children’s and families’ needs.

    “I’d like to congratulate the staff at Culbokie Primary School Nursery for their continued dedication and ‘full marks’ inspection report.”

    Key messages from the report:

    Staff were warm, caring and nurturing in their approaches to support children. As a result, children felt confident and secure.

    • Staff use skilled interactions to support children’s developing early literacy, language and numeracy skills.
    • The nursery was warm and welcoming, and furnished to a high standard which gave children a strong message that they mattered.
    • Robust quality assurance processes allowed focussed and meaningful opportunities for the manager and staff to review and monitor various aspects of the service.
    • The staff team had high aspirations for all children, and this was evident in the care and support they received, in both nursery and breakfast club settings.

    3 Jul 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reflecting on the success of the “Sharing Food, Sharing Languages” event

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    “Sharing Food, Sharing Languages” – an event organised by the Highland Council’s Adult Learning team in partnership with migrant and refugee learning communities – successfully took place at Eden Court, Inverness on 22 June on the concluding day of Refugee Week Scotland (13-22 June).

    Refugee Week Scotland is the largest arts and culture festival, celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

    The event brought together over 200 people from New Scots and host Communities to celebrate “milestones”, the theme for this year’s event.  The key purpose was to promote diversity and cross-cultural understanding and connect people through shared interests and passions. It also provided a platform to ensure marginalised communities could express themselves through art.

    Learners were able to showcase their diverse skills, expertise, history and culture. Voices were heard and represented through stories, song and poetry.  

    Participants were invited to take part in creative workshops including Ukrainian embroidery and the art of writing different scripts. There were unique language tasters led by native speakers of Pashto, Dari, Arabic, Ukrainian and Turkish and a multicultural Storytime for families.

    Wonderful performances from Cheryl Heggie’s Highland dancers and Mriya Ukrainian Childrens’ Choir, from Aberdeen, created a rich immersive cultural experience.

    To top it all off, there were delicious traditional dishes to try from Ukraine, Eritrea, South Sudan and Afghanistan.

    Lucy McGlennon, Head of Engagement at Eden Court said:  “Sharing Food, Sharing Languages” was a fantastic event and we are delighted to have been in a position to support it.  Eden Court is for everyone, and it is important to us that people of all cultures feel that they are welcome here.  It was a moment of great pride to see so many cultures represented through delicious foods, national dress and through song, dance and poetry.”

    Highland Council Learning for Life, part of the Community Learning and Development, supports adult learning activities which help with everyday skills such as reading, writing, using numbers, English as second language and digital literacy. All activities are learner-centred and learner-led.

    To find out more contact Kirsty.Dambrosio@highland.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Gill’s marathon double-ton, pacers’ carnage leave England reeling on Day 2 of Edgbaston Test

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    On a day when India firmly took charge of the second Test at Edgbaston, it was Shubman Gill who stood tall with a marathon 269—his career-best knock that not only rewrote records but also sent a clear message: the captain was here to lead from the front.

    From a shaky 211/5, India posted a mammoth 587, thanks largely to Gill’s masterclass in patience, precision and strokeplay. Support came in the form of two crucial partnerships—203 with Ravindra Jadeja (89) and 144 with Washington Sundar (42)—as India’s lower middle order rallied around the skipper.

    If Gill’s innings was about endurance and elegance, the Indian pacers followed it up with incisive intent. Akash Deep, playing in place of the rested Jasprit Bumrah, removed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in consecutive deliveries, while Mohammed Siraj dismissed Zak Crawley to leave England at 77/3 at stumps, still trailing by 510 runs.

    The day, though, belonged entirely to Gill. He walked in with India in trouble and walked out to a standing ovation, having batted for over eight hours and faced 380 balls.

    In the process, he became only the second Indian captain to score a double century in England and now holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in Tests in the country.

    Gill’s knock, studded with 30 boundaries and three sixes, was also the seventh-highest individual score by an Indian in Test cricket.

    The moment of his double century—a pulled boundary off Josh Tongue—was met with a celebratory punch in the air and a bow to the dressing room, a gesture that summed up the confidence and calm that defined his innings.

    Earlier in the day, he and Jadeja steadily rebuilt the innings, with Jadeja playing a typically composed knock, complete with his trademark sword celebration upon reaching fifty. After Jadeja’s departure, Washington Sundar offered solid resistance and kept the scoreboard ticking alongside his captain.

    Gill’s dismissal—caught at square leg while attempting a hook—triggered the end of India’s innings, with Bashir picking up the final wickets to finish with 3-167. Woakes (2-81) and Tongue (2-119) also chipped in, but England’s bowling unit largely toiled with minimal success on a flat pitch.

    England’s reply began positively with Crawley finding early boundaries, but Akash Deep struck back to remove Duckett and Pope in quick succession, with Gill taking a sharp diving catch to dismiss the former. Siraj then had Crawley nicking one to Karun Nair at slip.

    With Joe Root (18*) and Harry Brook (30*) at the crease, England ended the day under pressure, knowing they face a daunting task ahead on Day Three.

    For India, the day was as close to perfect as it gets—led by a captain who didn’t just talk the talk, but batted like he was built for this very challenge.

    Brief Scores:

    India 587 all out in 151 overs (Shubman Gill 269, Ravindra Jadeja 89, Yashasvi Jaiswal 87, Washington Sundar 42; Shoaib Bashir 3/167, Chris Woakes 2/81, Josh Tongue 2/119)

    England 77/3 in 20 overs (Harry Brook 30; Akash Deep 2/36, Mohammed Siraj 1/21)

  • Swiatek fights back to down McNally and reach third round of Wimbledon

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iga Swiatek may not love the grass but she seems to relish a battle whatever the surface and showed all that fighting spirit as she clawed back to beat American Caty McNally 5-7 6-2 6-1 and reach the third round of Wimbledon on Thursday.

    McNally, the world number 208, looked poised to cause an upset when she clawed her way back from 4-1 down to take the first set against the five-times Grand Slam champion.

    At that point Swiatek’s mediocre record at the All England Club, where the Pole has never gone past the quarter-finals, seemed to be weighing heavily on her shoulders.

    But rather than shy away from the scrap, the former world number one seemed to flick a psychological switch that saw her come out for the second set transformed, upping her aggression and playing with a ferocity McNally simply could not handle.

    She broke early in the second set and never looked back, losing only three more games to set up a third-round match against another American Danielle Collins.

    REUTERS

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canton Man Charged in National Health Care Fraud Takedown

    Source: US FBI

    Over 300 defendants charged nationwide in connection with more than $14.6 billion in alleged fraud, making it the largest health care fraud takedown in history

    BOSTON – Today, as part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, a Canton, Mass. man has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with an alleged fraud scheme to defraud Medicare of over $4 million by submitting claims for durable medical equipment (DME) that was medically unnecessary, not wanted by the Medicare beneficiaries, and  tainted by kickbacks.

    Krishna Gidwani, 55, of Canton, Mass., was charged by an Information with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The Court has scheduled a plea hearing for July 30, 2025.  

    According to the charging documents, Gidwani allegedly worked with Raju Sharma, and other co-conspirators to own and operate a DME company that paid telemarketing companies for DME orders for orthotics such as ankle, wrist, knee and back braces. Often, the Medicare beneficiaries did not need or want the braces the defendants shipped them and, as further alleged in the information, the doctors whose signatures appeared on these DME orders often did not treat these beneficiaries and did not prescribe the DME. In May 2025, Sharma, agreed to plead guilty to health care fraud conspiracy for his alleged role in the scheme. His plea hearing is scheduled for July 8, 2025.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    “Mr. Gidwani is accused of manipulating Medicare to enrich himself – misusing the names of unwitting doctors to push unwanted and unnecessary medical equipment onto elderly patients. Health care fraud is not a victimless crime. It drives up costs, exploits vulnerable patients and undermines public trust in our medical system,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s charges are part of a historic, nationwide effort to hold accountable those who abuse federal health care programs for personal gain. Our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to root out fraud and ensure that Medicare dollars support genuine patient care, not criminal profit.”

    “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”

    “The scale of today’s Takedown is unprecedented, and so is the harm we’re confronting. Individuals who attempt to steal from the federal health care system and put vulnerable patients at risk will be held accountable,” said HHS-OIG Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins. “Our agents at HHS-OIG work relentlessly to detect, investigate, and dismantle these fraud schemes. We are proud to stand with our law enforcement partners in protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding patient care.”

    “Health care fraud affects everyone. Not only does it put a strain on our country’s vital health care system, but it costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “FBI Boston will continue to work with our law enforcement and private sector partners to identify and investigate individuals like Krishna Gidwani who are accused of submitting claims that are medically unnecessary and tainted by kickbacks.”

    U.S. Attorney Foley; AG Bondi; HHS-OIG Acting IG Hodgkins; and FBI SAC Docks made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber and Sarah B. Hoefle of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    Today’s announcement is part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in intended loss and over 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets. The United States has seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles and other assets in connection with the takedown.

    The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle, District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle, District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorney Generals’ Offices for Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are prosecuting the cases in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Refugee Day 2025: Joint Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    World Refugee Day 2025: Joint Statement to the OSCE

    Canada delivers a joint statement on behalf of the UK and other OSCE participating States to mark World Refugee Day.

    Madame Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the United Kingdom and my own country, Canada. 

    In marking World Refugee Day, we stand in solidarity with millions of refugees and renew our commitment to addressing their humanitarian needs, addressing the root causes of forced displacement and finding lasting solutions.  

    According to UNHCR’s Global Trends report, global displacement has nearly doubled over the past decade. Persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and natural disasters have forcibly displaced more than 123 million people. Within the OSCE region alone, nearly 25 million people are either forcibly displaced or stateless. 

    The Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine remains the main driver of mass displacement in the OSCE region, resulting in the largest cross-border movement of people in Europe since the Second World War. UNHCR’s May report notes that nearly 5.6 million individuals have fled Ukraine, with over 3.7 million internally displaced.  Continued large-scale attacks, including strikes on energy infrastructure and continued aerial assaults on residential areas are fuelling urgent humanitarian needs and preventing Ukrainians from returning to their homes and families.  Women and children make up the majority of the refugee  population who have fled the conflict, with 63 per cent being women and girls, and 33 per cent being children. This demographic profile raises specific protection concerns, particularly around gender-based violence, trafficking, and exploitation. 

    In the 1999 Istanbul Document, participating States reaffirmed our commitment to respect the right to seek asylum and to ensure the international protection of refugees as set out in the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as to facilitate the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons in dignity and safety.    

    In times of uncertainty, we must continue to uphold these commitments.  

    In addressing forcible displacement, we must strive to reach the most in need and the most vulnerable, including women and girls, LGBTQI+ people, religious minorities and others directly affected by conflict or displacement.  We must also confront parallel risks and challenges, including trafficking, exploitation, discrimination, and intolerance. 

    We must also remember that inclusive societies are secure societies and recognize the positive impact that newcomers have on our societies and economies.    

    As we mark World Refugee Day, we honour the strength and resilience of refugees and we recognize their valuable contributions to the communities that welcome them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford Leisure Centres refurbish cafés and offer sustainable choices

    Source: City of Oxford

    Thursday, 3 July 2025

    Five Oxford leisure centres have received significant upgrades to their catering facilities and menus.

    Barton Leisure Centre, Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, Ferry Leisure Centre, Hinksey Outdoor Pool, and Oxford Ice Rink have all undergone improvements designed to modernise the spaces and offer a wider range of food and drink choices.

    A key highlight of the upgrades is the introduction of Fairtrade coffee and tea that are not only organic, but also Rainforest Alliance-certified and Soil Association-accredited. All hot drinks are now served in eco cups, with 30p discount offered to customers who bring their own reusable cup.

    “These enhancements reflect our commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable options for our visitors. We’re proud to offer a catering experience that’s better for both people and the planet, while making every visit more enjoyable.”

    Rob Jennings, Contract Manager for More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), which operates the centres

    “Looking after our health isn’t just about exercise – it’s about connection too. Grabbing a (Fairtrade) coffee with a friend after a swim or catching up over tea with a friend while the kids are in the pool, can give our mental wellbeing a real boost. These new cafes make our leisure centres more social and welcoming, as well as great places to get active.”

    Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford and Small Business Champion at Oxford City Council

    Oxford Ice Rink now boasts an updated menu of convenient grab-and-go options, including hot dogs and doughnuts. Leys Pools and Leisure Centre has opened a new kiosk café in its recently launched Active Zone, serving a variety of hot and cold snacks and drinks.

    As a special welcome, customers using the free 7-day trial at Barton Leisure Centre, Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, and Ferry Leisure Centre will receive one complimentary hot drink.

    MLCT in partnership with Serco Leisure operates five leisure centres across Oxford on behalf of Oxford City Council. For more information, visit oxfordcityleisure.com

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council steps in to buy land to transfer to Gables

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Tails will be wagging with joy at Gables – a patch of land near the cats and dog home is to be transferred to the charity after the Council stepped in to buy the land.

    Late last year National Highways put up for sale a section of grass verge outside the charity’s premises in Merafield Road, sparking concern from the charity and its many supporters.

    National Highways had intended to put the site up for auction, but the Council can today confirm it has agreed terms to buy the land off market on behalf of Gables. The land was independently valued on behalf of the council and National Highways and both have now agreed to the transaction.

    The Council has secured the land for Gables who have agreed to underwrite the costs and will acquire the site for the price paid by the Council together with professional fees. The price is currently confidential but will be made public on completion at the Land Registry.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member responsible for assets said: “This is unusual but as a public organisation we were able to step in and help.

    “We were able to buy the land before it went on the market, which meant the cost to the charity was very low. The charity does an incredible job and we wanted to remove this unnecessary worry. It was a transaction that will cost the taxpayer nothing, but will make a lot of supporters very happy.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New project to protect Cambridge’s chalk streams

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    The Granta, a tributary of the river Cam

    A new project dedicated to studying and preserving Cambridge’s chalk streams is being launched at Anglia Ruskin University’s East Road campus on Wednesday, 16 July.

    It is estimated that 85% of the world’s chalk streams are found in the UK, with the majority located in the south of England and East Anglia. These streams, fed by springs in chalk bedrock, provide clean and clear water that supports a huge variety of wildlife.

    However, once pristine, many local chalk streams are being degraded by a range of factors including water extraction, pollution, the erosion of riverbanks, and invasive species.

    The Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project is a collaboration between Cambridge City Council and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), and is bringing together experts to study the threats faced by local chalk streams, such as Hobson’s Brook and Cherry Hinton Brook in Cambridge, and highlight practical ways to protect them.

    The project kicks off with a free conference at ARU, running from 10am-4pm on 16 July, featuring presentations by leading environmental scientists. Topics will range from groundwater depletion and sediment loading to aquatic biodiversity and emerging contaminants.

    Geologist and ecologist Dr Steve Boreham will focus on the pressure chalk aquifers are facing from water extraction, while Dr Mike Foley of Cam Valley Forum will share insights from his citizen science water quality monitoring work.

    Dr Tory Milner of Keele University will examine the impact of sediment and gravel accumulation on chalk streams, while Professor Angela Gurnell will cover the important role of submerged aquatic plants.

    From ARU, Dr Toby Carter will discuss the connection between brown trout populations and the health of chalk streams, Dr Alvin Helden will demonstrate how monitoring aquatic macroinvertebrates, such as mayflies and caddisflies, can indicate water quality and habitat condition, and Dr Bas Boots will address the risks posed by new pollutants, including PFAS “forever chemicals” and microplastics.

    The conference will also introduce the Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project’s citizen science programme, offering opportunities to participate in water quality testing, photography, sediment trapping and the monitoring of riverbank erosion. Taking place weekly over two years, the citizen science monitoring will be co-ordinated by ARU.

    “Chalk streams are globally rare freshwater habitats and we’re fortunate to have them in and around the city. However, many of these precious ecosystems are now significantly degraded and at risk.

    “The Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project will investigate local sites to understand habitat loss, biodiversity reduction, and water quality issues. By bringing everyone together, including involving local community volunteers, we hope to obtain detailed information about each stream to help inform Cambridge City Council’s restoration strategies and safeguard our chalk streams for future generations.”

    Emma Dominic, research assistant at ARU for the Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project

    To register for the free event at ARU’s East Road campus on Wednesday, 16 July, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greater-cambridge-chalk-stream-project-gccsp-launch-conference-tickets-1407358650609

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