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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: There is no loneliness epidemic – so why do we keep talking as if there is?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin

    fran_kie/Shutterstock.com

    Most people experience periods of loneliness, isolation or solitude in their lives. But these are different things, and the proportion of people feeling lonely is stable over time. So why do we keep talking about an epidemic of loneliness?

    Before the COVID pandemic, several studies showed that rates of loneliness were stable in England, the US, Finland, Sweden and Germany, among other places, over recent decades.

    While COVID changed many things, loneliness levels quickly returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2018, 34% of US adults aged 50 to 80 years reported a lack of companionship “some of the time” or “often”. That proportion rose to 42% during the pandemic but fell to 33% in 2024.

    That’s a lot of lonely people, but it is not an epidemic. In some countries, such as Sweden, loneliness is in decline – at least among older adults.

    Despite these statistics, the idea that loneliness is increasing is pervasive. For example in 2023, the US surgeon general warned about an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation”. The UK even has a government minister with an explicit responsibility for addressing loneliness.

    Loneliness is a problem, even if it is not an epidemic. Social connection is important for physical and mental health. Many people feel lonely in a crowd or feel crowded when alone. In 2023, the World Health Organization announced a “Commission on Social Connection”. The WHO is right: we need to reduce loneliness in our families, communities and societies.

    But the idea that loneliness is an “epidemic” is misleading and it draws us away from sustainable solutions, rather than towards them. It suggests that loneliness is a new problem (it is not), that it is increasing (it is not), that it is beyond our control (it is not), and that the only appropriate reaction is an emergency one (it is not).

    In the short term, loneliness is an undesirable psychological state. In the long term, it is a risk factor for chronic ill health.

    Loneliness is not a sudden crisis that needs a short-term fix. It is a long-term challenge that requires a sustained response. An emergency reaction is not appropriate – a measured response is. Initiatives by the US surgeon general and WHO are welcome, but they should be long-term responses to an enduring problem, not emergency reactions to an “epidemic”.

    Vivek Murthy, the former US surgeon general warned about an epidemic of loneliness in America.
    lev radin/Shutterstock

    Medicalising normal human experience

    Conceptual clarity is essential if true loneliness is to be addressed. Pathologising all instances of being alone risks medicalising normal human experiences such as solitude. Some people feel alive only in crowds, but others were born lighthouse keepers. In a hyper-connected world, loneliness should be solvable, but solitude must be treasured.

    So, if there is no loneliness epidemic, why do we keep talking as if there is? Media framing of the issue and the human tendency to panic reinforce each other. We click into news stories based on subjective resonance rather than objective evidence.

    Human behaviour is shaped primarily by feelings, not facts. We dramatise, panic, and overstate negative trends. If trends are positive, we focus on minor counter-trends, ignore statistics and make things up.

    In the case of loneliness, the problem is real, even if the “epidemic” is not. Loneliness is part of the human condition, but alleviating each other’s loneliness is also part of who we are – or who we can become.

    Addressing loneliness is not about solving a short-term problem or halting an “epidemic”. It means learning to live with each other in new, more integrated ways that meet our emotional needs. Loneliness is not the problem. It is a consequence of living in societies that are often disconnected and fragmented.

    The solution? We cannot change the essentials of human nature – and nor should we try. But we can be a little kinder to ourselves, speak to each other a little more, and cultivate compassion for ourselves and other people.

    We need to connect with each other better and more. We can. We should. We will.

    Brendan Kelly 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. There is no loneliness epidemic – so why do we keep talking as if there is? – https://theconversation.com/there-is-no-loneliness-epidemic-so-why-do-we-keep-talking-as-if-there-is-259072

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: What Danish climate migration drama, Families Like Ours, gets wrong about rising sea levels

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Florian Steig, DPhil Student, Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford

    In the Danish TV drama Families Like Ours, one melancholic line from high-school student Laura captures the emotional toll of climate displacement: “Soon we will vanish like bubbles in a creek.” This seven-part series imagines a near future in which Denmark is being evacuated due to rising sea levels – a government-mandated relocation of an entire population.

    The series challenges the fantasy that wealthy western countries are immune to the far-reaching effects of climate change. Rather than focusing on catastrophic storylines, Families Like Ours portrays the mundane, bureaucratic and affective aspects of relocating a population in anticipation of a creeping crisis: the scramble for visas, the fractures that appear between families, and the inequalities in social and economic capital that shape people’s chances for a new life.

    Yet, the idea that Denmark could soon get submerged is not grounded in science. More worryingly, the narrative of the unavoidable uninhabitability of entire nations and millions of international migrants flooding Europe is misleading, dangerous, and sidelines deeply political questions about adaptation to sea level rise that should be dealt with now.

    The trailer for Families Like Ours.

    Sea levels are rising by a few millimetres a year. That pace is accelerating. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that, by 2100, sea levels could rise by up to one metre on average. Beyond 2100, sea levels could rise by several metres, although these long-term scenarios are highly uncertain.

    Even in extreme scenarios, these developments would unfold over several decades and centuries. It’s unlikely that permanent submergence of large areas of land will make Denmark uninhabitable.

    Still, sea level rise poses a serious risk to the livelihoods of millions of people living in coastal zones. In the UK, many homes in Norfolk and Fairbourne, Wales, are already at risk from coastal erosion, for instance.

    These changes are subtle. They do not warrant the evacuation of an entire nation, but degrade coastal livelihoods over time. Houses in high-risk areas like these may become uninsurable, devalued or too risky to live in. This will force people to move.

    In addition, sea level rise makes coastal flooding more likely. In European high-income countries, including Denmark, rising waters already threaten coastal communities. Without adaptation, hundreds of thousands of homes in cities such as Copenhagen could be at risk.

    The danger of mass migration narratives

    However, depicting climate change as a driver of uncontrolled mass migration is misleading. Sea level rise will contribute to coastal migration, and state-led relocation is already a reality especially in Africa and Asia. But climate migration predominantly occurs within countries or regions. International migration from climate change impacts is the exception, not the norm.

    To capture these complexities, some researchers prefer the term “climate mobility”. Mobility can be forced or voluntary, permanent or temporary, even seasonal. Some communities and people resist relocation plans and stay put.

    Families Like Ours reinforces longstanding narratives that frame certain parts of the world as destined to become uninhabitable. Even UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a “mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale” due to sea level rise.

    As a researcher working on climate adaptation, I notice that sea level rise and climate migration are increasingly discussed at the global level. Discussions focus, for example, on the protection of affected populations and continued statehood of nations after their potential submergence. A new global alliance of cities and regions tackling sea level rise called the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition considers a “managed retreat” not only as inevitable but as a rational and desirable adaptation pathway for many cities and regions.

    Scientists have warned that creative storylines highlighting the “uninhabitability” of low-lying countries and regions, such as the Pacific, are not helpful. The mass migration narrative can be used by governments to justify extreme protectionist action and sideline urgent adaptation debates.

    States are not helpless in the face of sea level rise and submergence is not inevitable. As geographer Carol Farbotko and colleagues suggest, “habitability is mediated by human actions and is not a direct consequence of environmental change”. People often develop their own ways of living with rising waters, resisting narratives of submergence. State-led adaptation is possible, but depends on finance, which is unequally distributed.

    People’s migration decisions can seldomly be attributed to just climate impact. A community’s capacity to respond hinges on social, political, economic and demographic factors. Adaptation measures are costly. This raises deeply political questions over who gets to be protected, who is left behind, and how managed retreat can benefit the most affected people and places in a fair way. We need to overcome mass migration myths and start a serious and justice-focused debate about the future of our shorelines.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Florian Steig receives funding from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes).

    – ref. What Danish climate migration drama, Families Like Ours, gets wrong about rising sea levels – https://theconversation.com/what-danish-climate-migration-drama-families-like-ours-gets-wrong-about-rising-sea-levels-259234

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth is supporting communities to report anti-social behaviour

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth is supporting a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).

    This anti-social behaviour awareness week (30 June to 6 July) our Safer Communities Team will be joining forces with local community groups and partner agencies with activities designed to engage and educate communities about how to report incidents of ASB, and what the Safer Communities team do to help tackle cases in the city with our partners.

    Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “It is key that we work together to continue tackling anti-social behaviour.

    “Anti-social behaviour is any behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress to a member of the public, Plymouth is a safe city, but we can always do more to stop anti-social behaviour.

    “Working with our partners, we will be engaging with communities to help increase the confidence of reporting, we are united in tackling anti-social behaviour.”

    • Tuesday 1 July 10am to 2pm — drop-in centres at Hillcrest Community Hub, Plympton with Devon and Cornwall Police, Plymouth Community Homes and Victim Support.
    • Wednesday 2 July 10am to 2pm — A multi-agency event at Barne Barton Community Hub. The events will be focusing on helping people better understand what ASB is and building confidence in reporting it and understanding how ASB case reviews work.
    • Friday 4 July, 10am to 1pm — Community Listening Event at HQ Business Centre, Stonehouse PL1 3HN. A Council hosted event with Devon and Cornwall Police, Victim Support, and Plymouth Community Homes. This event is all about connecting with the community and local service providers. Our team will be there to chat with people, hear their thoughts and using that feedback to help shape how we deliver our services.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Babcock blueprint sparks new era for Plymouth’s City Centre and Freeport

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council has hailed Babcock International Group’s Defence Dividend Blueprint as a game-changing investment that will supercharge the city’s economy, skills base, and regeneration ambitions.

    Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a really significant moment for Plymouth and I’m absolutely thrilled. Babcock’s plans to bring over 2,000 people into the heart of our city centre will have a huge ripple effect—not just in terms of jobs, but in how people live, eat, shop, and enjoy the city. It means more people living locally, supporting our cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues, and helping to create a vibrant city centre economy. Alongside the new Capability Centre, the dedicated Centre for Engineering and Nuclear Skills, and the facilities within the Freeport, this is a real show of confidence in Plymouth’s future.”

    The Blueprint outlines a proposed Capability Centre for over 2,000 Babcock personnel relocated to a new site in Plymouth’s city centre. This move is designed to bring high-value employment into the heart of the city, supporting local businesses and services, and contributing to the vibrancy and long-term prosperity of the area.

    Councillor Evans added: “This fits perfectly with our ambitions to transform Plymouth’s city centre into a thriving economic and cultural hub. We’re not just talking about retail anymore—we’re creating a modern, mixed-use city centre where people can live, work, learn and enjoy. Babcock’s investment will be a powerful driver of that transformation.”

    In addition, Babcock’s blueprint includes the creation of a dedicated Centre for Engineering and Nuclear Skills. This new facility will significantly boost the city’s STEM capacity, helping to meet growing demand for skilled engineers and technicians in both the defence and civil nuclear sectors.

    Within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, Babcock also plans to establish an Integrated Logistics Hub and an Advanced Manufacturing Facility. These developments will:

    • Create new, high-skilled jobs
    • Support supply chain resilience and innovation
    • Maximise the benefits of Freeport status for the local economy
    • Free up critical space at the Devonport dockyard for operational excellence

    “The Freeport is already proving to be a game-changer for Plymouth. Babcock’s commitment to expanding within the Freeport zone shows how we’re attracting major investment and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

    “This is the defence dividend in action,” Councillor Evans concluded. “It’s about securing our national and economic future—right here in Plymouth. We’re proud to be working with Babcock to deliver a brighter, more prosperous future for our city.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Robot dogs showcased at the Lincolnshire Show

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Robot dogs showcased at the Lincolnshire Show

    The team’s new canine ambassadors sparked chats on clean energy, local jobs and a future powered by fusion.

    The STEP team pose with a robot dog. Image credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    The UK’s first of a kind Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) fusion energy team wowed the crowds at the Lincolnshire Show last week with a pair of robo-dogs. The STEP Programme is located at West Burton, a previous coal-fired power station with plans to build a fusion energy power plant at the site which uses robotics to help movement inside the plant. The dog duo proved a hit at the Showground and generated many conversations around fusion energy, the boost the programme will bring to local businesses, thousands of extra jobs that STEP will bring to the area and opportunities around new skills for future generations of workers. 

    Thousands of people gathered at the show which centres on agriculture, trade and local produce, a true celebration of rural life in Lincolnshire. This year the show returned for its 140th year with around 60,000 visitors and a constant flow of people around the STEP robot dogs who were providing entertainment to people of all ages, and they also caught the attention of a few (real) dogs too who were not quite sure what to make of the lively little robots.    

    STEP was hosted by West Lindsey District Council at the annual show, who are proud to be neighbours of this upcoming national significant infrastructure project beginning with construction that will take the commercialisation of fusion energy a step closer to getting clean and green power on to the Grid. The local MP for Gainsborough, Sir Edward Leigh was on hand to speak to people visiting the Show. He commented:

    This is the most exciting thing that has happened to Gainsborough in a hundred years. We’re going to be at the cutting edge of technology, just as Gainsborough was in the middle of the 19th century when it became an industrial town. It’s really exciting. Fusion is unlimited green energy, it’s completely safe, it will transform humankind. Gainsborough is really coming up in the world, and this will just be the icing on the cake.

    You can join in with some of the fusion fun and help the STEP team who are running a competition to name the two newest members of their team – the robot dogs!

    You can submit your robot dog name suggestions here

    Notes to Editors

    The first of its kind, STEP is the UK’s major technology and infrastructure programme to build a prototype fusion power plant that will demonstrate net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance.  This will pave the way for the potential development of a fleet of future fusion power plants around the world and the commercialisation of fusion energy.

    We’ll achieve this by producing a prototype tokamak power plant – in an innovative spherical shape – that will demonstrate net energy. That’s why the programme is called STEP: it stands for ‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’.  But STEP is about more than tokamak technology – it’s a huge endeavour encompassing design, site development and construction, alongside supply chain logistics and industry. Fusion research and development has the potential to catalyse new ideas and technologies that will benefit multiple industries and help secure our future on this planet.

    By fusing government and business, inspiration and pragmatism, theory and practice, UK-expertise and international impact, we’re going to realise the step-change that will secure humanity’s bright future. A recent report by AMION, commissioned by local authorities, set out the economic potential of the STEP programme.

    Read the AMIOM report (PDF)

    To sign-up for updates about STEP, visit: step.ukaea.uk or follow our social channels @STEPtoFusion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to UK heatwave

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the UK heatwave.

    Prof Richard Allan, Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading, said:

    “The UK is on the edge of a large dome of heat encompassing continental Europe which is briefly causing heatwave conditions to affect southern Britain as June turns to July. Ocean temperatures are also up to 2 degrees Celsius above average across the waters to the southwest of the UK and hotter still in the western Mediterranean. The ebb and flow of gigantic atmospheric waves have generated the stable, cloud-free conditions for heat to build up across Western Europe.  But rising greenhouse gas levels due to human activities are making it more difficult for Earth to lose excess heat to space and the warmer, thirstier atmosphere is more effective at drying soils, meaning heatwaves are intensifying, with moderate heat events now becoming extreme. The severity of summer heatwaves, but also extremes of dry as well as wet weather events, will continue to worsen until we rein in our greenhouse gas emissions and stabilise our warming climate.”

     

    Dr Radhika Khosla, Associate Professor at the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford, said:

    “Populations in urban areas like London are particularly susceptible to extreme heat as the concrete and asphalt absorb and re-emit the sun’s radiation, amplifying its impact on our bodies.  For this reason, outdoor workers are particularly at risk and should take regular breaks to hydrate in the shade.

    “Soaring temperatures will see a corresponding rise in demand for cooling systems like air conditioning, which can put a strain on our energy infrastructure. Air conditioning and other cooling systems become crucial to maintaining health, productivity and quality of life amidst rising temperatures. However, access to cooling is unfortunately rarely equal even in developed countries, and the UK’s most disadvantaged people will bear the brunt of this heatwave.”

    “Over-reliance on air conditioning creates a negative feedback loop: more fossil fuels are burnt to power more air-con units, which in turn worsens climate change and raises global temperatures. Use of fans, shade, green spaces and natural ventilation can all help to reduce air conditioning usage. When we have to rely on air-con, it is important to make sure the systems we are using are the most energy efficient.”

     

    Dr Laurence Wainwright, Departmental Lecturer at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, said:

    “While news coverage of hot weather usually includes images of sunbathing and ice creams, an often-overlooked consequence of heatwaves is their negative impact on our mental health and behaviour. Violent incidents increase, depression worsens and the effect of psychiatric medications on our body can be altered. For every 1°C increase in monthly average temperature, mental health-related deaths increase by around 2.2%. Spikes in relative humidity also result in a higher occurrence of suicide. Learning to adapt to the increasing frequency of heatwaves brought by climate change will mean taking account of all its impacts – including on our state of mind.”

     

    Dr Chloe Brimicombe, Climate Scientist, Royal Meteorological Society, said:

    “We are yet to have an attribution study, the heatwave earlier in June in the UK was 100 times more likely with Climate Change. In general we can say the heatwaves and hot spells in the summer are increasing in duration, how often they occur and intensity, how hot temperatures get to. We also think they are growing in area so more people are exposed every time they occur. 

    “Beyond heat killing people. They cause a rise in hospitalisations especially in the vulnerable groups to heat. In some parts of Europe it has been shown that exposure to extreme heat can raise the likelihood of preterm births and also lower birth weight babies with developmental delay. It can change how long people breastfeed for. In the long term instances of kidney disease also rise. 

    “We know it can cause a rise in psychosis and suicides. And an increase in small level crime. 

    “It puts pressure on power grids. Roads melts, railway tracks can overheat, there are signal failures. It puts pressure on the food supply chain and refrigerated lorries. It also can cause a reduction with dry conditions in crops and sunburn in apple and grapes. 

    “It can reduce appetites, it also can reduce productivity if proper work-rest schedules aren’t in place. 

    “Shopping patterns change. With less people going shopping or shopping for different products at different times. 

    “It impacts every part of our society. It will continue to increase unless we transition to net zero and how fast we do this also impacts how much worse these events will get. 

    “I think it is important that proper early warning systems that save lives are designed to be supported by other policy areas such as urban design and improving critical infrastructure. They should be integrated into our societal system better.” 

     

    Dr Friederike Otto, Associate Professor, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said:

    “We absolutely do not need to do an attribution study to know that this heatwave is hotter than it would have been without our continued burning of oil, coal and gas. Countless studies have shown that climate change is an absolute game-changer when it comes to heat in Europe, making heatwaves much more frequent, especially the hottest ones, and more intense. Heatwaves are called the silent killer, for a reason, every year thousands of people in Europe die due to extreme heat, particularly those that live in poorly insulated homes, on busy, polluted roads, and that have already health problems. But extreme heat also leads to agricultural losses, infrastructure failure and puts a big strain on plants and animals. To stop people from dying in ever larger numbers we need to stop burning fossil fuels, but we also need to adapt.”

     

    Dr Michael Byrne, Reader in Climate Science, University of St Andrews, said:

    “Heat domes – the cause of this week’s European heatwave – are nothing new. They have always happened and always will happen. Heat domes occur when high pressure weather systems, normally lasting a few days, get stuck in place for a week or more. When this atmospheric ‘blocking’ happens in summertime, heatwaves occur. But what is new are the temperatures heat domes deliver: Europe is more than 2 degrees Celsius warmer than in pre-industrial times, so when a heat dome occurs it drives a hotter heatwave.

    “Some research suggests heat domes will become more common as climate warms, with more frequent heatwaves as a result. There is large uncertainty regarding the future of heat domes, with no scientific consensus yet. But what is crystal clear is that climate change is loading the dice such that when a heat dome does occur, it brings hotter and more dangerous temperatures.”

     

    Dr Leslie Mabon, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Systems, The Open University, said:

    “The extreme high temperatures we are seeing in the UK are being exacerbated by the same phenomenon that is causing the heat dome across Europe. The ‘heat dome’ happens when an area of high pressure air stays over the same area for days or weeks, trapping hot air below it which then expands outwards like a dome.

    “In the UK, heat-related illnesses, greater risk for this with pre-existing conditions, and wildfires can all come about because of heatwaves. This is another reminder that climate change makes extremes like this more frequent or intense.”

     

     

    Declared interests

    Prof Richard Allan: No conflicting interests

    Dr Radhika Khosla: No declarations

    Dr Laurence Wainwright: No declarations

    Dr Chloe Brimicombe: No declarations

    Dr Friederike Otto: No declarations

    Dr Michael Byrne: No declarations

    Dr Leslie Mabon: Leslie Mabon is an Ambassador for Scotland’s National Centre for Resilience. This is a voluntary position, committed to ensuring that government, industry and society are able to make decisions about resilience that are informed by the best available evidence.

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to the Bahamas: Smita Rossetti

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Change of British High Commissioner to the Bahamas: Smita Rossetti

    Mrs Smita Rossetti has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Mrs Rossetti will take up her appointment during August 2025.

    Smita Rossetti

    Mrs Smita Rossetti has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in succession to Mr Tom Hartley, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. 

    Mrs Rossetti will take up her appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Smita Rossetti

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Language training, Arabic
    2021 to 2023 Cabinet Office, Head of Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), responsible for tackling threats to UK national security
    2018 to 2020 FCO, Deputy Head, Pakistan and Afghanistan Department
    2014 to 2018 Rabat, Deputy Ambassador
    2013 to 2022 Thomson House School, London, Co-founder and Chair of Governors
    2011 to 2014 FCO, Deputy Head, Arab Partnership Department
    2009 to 2010 Jerusalem, DIFID Governance Adviser
    2006 to 2008 Governance Adviser, DIFID Africa Department
    2004 to 2006 Open Society Foundations
    2002 to 2004 Strategy Consultant, Monitor Company

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: Joint Statement on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    UN Human Rights Council 59: Joint Statement on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change

    Joint Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change. Delivered at the 59th HRC in Geneva.

    Thank you Mr President.

    Austria, Canada, Colombia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, the Marshall Islands, the Netherlands, Panama, and the United Kingdom thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.

    Climate change and environmental degradation pose a risk to the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the world, especially the most marginalised. This is compounded by the impacts of the fossil fuel life cycle.

    3.5 billion people now live in contexts highly vulnerable to climate change. Rapid and enduring action must be taken to safeguard the full enjoyment of human rights for individuals both now and in the future.

    As per the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement adopted at COP28, advancing the transition away from fossil fuels is crucial.

    It deserves mention in this session’s human rights and climate change resolution. 

    We will continue to demonstrate leadership, including through the Global Clean Power Alliance Initiative, and our ambitious and credible 2035 NDC targets. 

    Environmental defenders and Indigenous Peoples are vital stewards of nature. We support their meaningful participation and leadership in climate action.

    Special Rapporteur, what more can states do to build global consensus and advance the transition away from fossil fuels? 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Introduces New Trade Measures to Support Steel Sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK Introduces New Trade Measures to Support Steel Sector

    UK strengthens steel safeguard measures

    • UK steel producers to benefit from stronger trade safeguards that better protect against surges in cheap imports.  

    • These changes will adjust how much steel countries around the world can send to the UK, protecting British jobs while making sure the UK still has a reliable supply.   

    • Reinforces the Government’s commitment as part of the Plan for Change to rebuild Britain’s industrial strength and reversing decades of decline.  

    Steel producers across the UK will benefit from stronger trade measures from 1 July, as the government moves to better protect domestic industry from unforeseen surges in foreign imports as part of the Plan for Change.   

    Following a recommendation from the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), the Business Secretary has confirmed the final decision on the current steel safeguard, taking decisive action in the national interest to strengthen existing protections against spikes in foreign imports- delivering on the Government’s commitment to rebuild Britain’s industrial strength.

    The changes to the steel safeguard will make the measure more effective by slowing future increases, capping certain import levels and tightening country-specific limits- ensuring UK steel producers won’t be undercut while still making sure the UK has a steady and reliable supply. 

    They will also strike the right balance between maintaining open trade and ensuring long-term viability for the UK’s steel sector which remains critical to the economy and to communities across the country.

    This decision builds on the Trade Strategy published last week, which set out how the UK Government will strengthen its trade defences to protect key industries like steel, ensuring a fairer and more secure trading environment.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:   

    This Government is unapologetic in our support for the UK steel sector-it underpins Britain’s industrial strength, our national security, and our status as a global power.   

    These measures back our producers and the thousands of families and communities who rely on steel production in the UK.   

    We’ve taken decisive action to protect the UK market and level the playing field, and we’ll go further with our new Steel Strategy to build a stronger, more competitive future for British steel making central to our Plan for Change.

    Today’s announcement delivers immediate protection and builds on the Industrial and Trade Strategies announced last week, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting jobs and securing the long-term success of domestic industry.   

    This decision sits alongside a call for stakeholder views to shape the UK’s future trade approach to steel after June 2026. Yet another example of the UK’s commitment to strengthened trade defences.   

    Notes to editors:  

    • The steel safeguard Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) review assessed whether the UK should make changes to its steel safeguard measure to ensure more effective protection for producers from unforeseen import surges whilst balancing security of supply. 

    • The Business and Trade Secretary’s decision on the Steel Safeguard TRQ  was informed by stakeholder engagement, legal analysis, and broader strategic considerations.  

    • The UK steel industry employs thousands of people in key manufacturing regions and supports critical supply chains in construction, automotive, and defence.  

    • The UK Government is committed to taking effective action to support a level playing field for domestic industry and will publish a comprehensive Steel Strategy later this year.  

    • The current UK steel safeguard measure ends in June 2026 and cannot be extended. The Call for Evidence launched on 26 June invites industry views to help shape new, future-ready trade measures that will protect UK businesses and jobs nationwide.  

    • A letter outlining the government’s intended decision was issued to the TRA on 24 June to enable WTO engagement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Youth Justice Roadmap launched to build a safer, fairer future for all children30 June 2025 The Youth Justice Roadmap, ‘Reimagining Youth Justice: A Child First Roadmap for Jersey’ (2025-2030) has been released by the Government of Jersey. This bold child-centred plan has been designed… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    30 June 2025

    The Youth Justice Roadmap, ‘Reimagining Youth Justice: A Child First Roadmap for Jersey’ (2025-2030) has been released by the Government of Jersey. 

    This bold child-centred plan has been designed to ensure all children – including those who have come into contact with the youth justice system – are supported to lead safe, successful, and fulfilling lives. 

    The Roadmap is part of the Building A Safer Community, BASC, Framework, which brings together government departments, the emergency services, courts, community services, charities and families to work in partnership to prevent crime, respond effectively when it occurs, and support young people to thrive. 

    At the heart of the Roadmap is a vision for a youth justice system that puts children first – one that helps them build positive identities, break the cycle of offending by addressing their needs, and become resilient Islanders who contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

    Assistant Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Connétable Richard Vibert said: “Youth justice extends far beyond statistics; it touches lives, shapes futures, and defines the fabric of our island life. A child diverted from crime is not just a reduction in offending; it is a family strengthened, a victim restored, and a safer island. 

    “This is about putting children’s rights at the centre of how we build a safer, more supportive Jersey. It’s not just about reducing crime – it’s about creating opportunities, restoring trust, and making sure every child has the chance to succeed, no matter what has happened in their past.” 

    An outcomes-based approach has been adopted to align with the BASC framework and the Children’s, Young People and Families Plan 2024-2027. This will enable the measurement of success in delivering key actions aligned to the outcomes below. 

    The Youth Justice Roadmap sets out four clear outcomes to guide services and professionals working with children, which are: 

    Outcome 1: The youth justice system will enable a partnership approach to support a wider systemic approach to engage children in law-abiding and positive behaviours

    Outcome 2: Children are diverted away from the formal criminal justice system at the earliest point with appropriate support 

    Outcome 3: Children who are engaged in serious or persistent conflict with the law go on to achieve positive outcomes 

    Outcome 4: Children, families, witnesses and community victims recover and move on beyond the impact of the harm they have experienced.

    The roadmap is rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNCRC, affirming every child’s right to safety, support, and a voice – regardless of their circumstances. 

    Services and the community across Jersey – including the States of Jersey Police, Royal and Youth Courts, Children Young People Education and Skills, Honorary Police, Justice and Home Affairs, Jersey Youth Service, Parish Halls, Health and Care Jersey, and Social Services – will work together to ensure children and families receive timely, co-ordinated, and trauma-informed support. 

    Progress will be closely monitored through feedback from children and families, data on community safety, and oversight from the Youth Justice Partnership and BASC Co-ordinator. 

    The Youth Justice Roadmap has been developed over several years and involved input from a wide range of stakeholders. Alongside this input a wide range of evidence and existing pieces of work were drawn upon to inform the roadmap. 

    A child-friendly version of the Youth Justice Roadmap​ has been produced and will be shared with young people through their schools.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry celebrates the Armed Forces

    Source: City of Coventry

    This weekend people from across the city came together to say thank you to those who serve and their families, veterans and cadets.

    It all began with a Service of Thanksgiving at Holy Trinity Church. This was then followed by a parade into Broadgate which was led by the 13th Coventry Scout Band.

    The day was well attended with lots of Coventry families coming out in the hot sun to pay tribute to our armed forces. 

    In addition to the Lord Mayor, Cllrs and MPs, the Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns also attended the event.

    You can watch a video of the event on Facebook or view the pictures on our Flickr. 

    Monday, 30th June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major boost to cut agricultural pollution

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Major boost to cut agricultural pollution

    Funding for Environment Agency farm inspections is doubling as part of a wider drive to help farmers slash agricultural pollution.

    Farmers are to receive more advice and support to help them meet high environmental standards with Environment Agency (EA) farm inspections increasing by around 50%.

    The boost in funding will help the EA offer more guidance to farmers, strengthen links with supply chains and farm networks, make better use of technology like remote sensing, and take stronger action against serious or ongoing pollution.

    It will see the expected number of inspections reach a record 6,000 a year by 2029, supported by more investment in advice-led regulation.

    The EA’s approach sees officers visiting farms to check compliance with environmental law. If rules are broken, farmers are told what to fix and given a deadline in writing as part of the enforcement process. This helps more farms follow the rules that protect rivers, air, and wildlife, while also supporting sustainable food production.

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

    Farmers are key partners in protecting our rivers, lakes, and seas – and through our Plan for Change we’re backing them to do just that.

    By doubling funding for inspections, we’re ensuring that farmers receive better advice to help them reduce pollution and clean up our water ways for good

    This builds on EA’s current work with farmers that is having a real impact. In 2024/25, 6,242 actions were completed, such as improving fertiliser use, slurry storage, and soil testing. These changes help the environment and save farmers money. The 4,545 farm inspections last year are expected to bring even more benefits.

    Inspections are prioritised at farms that present the highest risk to water quality – particularly in areas where rivers or groundwater have already been affected by agricultural activity, or where large volumes of slurry and waste are handled, such as dairy farms in protected catchments.

    Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said:

    Our role is to protect people and the environment which is why we are tackling all sources of water pollution, whether it’s from agriculture, the water industry or road-runoff.

    Many farmers share our desire for cleaner waterways and are already taking significant steps to reduce pollution and improve their environmental standards, and this increased support will help even more to do the same.

    Our approach means farmers receive clear advice and practical steps, but where necessary we can and will take enforcement action.

    The announcement comes after a meeting on 18 June 2025, led by Farming Minister Zeichner and Water Minister Emma Hardy. They met with various groups to start a new programme aimed at making farming rules clearer and better to help reduce and prevent pollution from farms.

    This builds on our record £11.8 billion investment in sustainable farming—the largest in history—alongside action to protect pollinators, including banning bee-harming pesticides and publishing the first Pesticides National Action Plan in a decade.

    This is all part of the Government’s Plan for Change, backing farmers and driving nature recovery across the countryside.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homeowners could save hundreds on energy bills from solar drive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Homeowners could save hundreds on energy bills from solar drive

    Homeowners could save around £500 from the government’s drive for solar power on rooftops.

    • Homeowners could save around £500 from the government’s rooftop revolution 
    • rooftop solar could help bring bills down for British families through the Plan for Change 
    • government launches ‘roadmap’ to maximise the potential of solar on warehouses, homes and car parks 

    Families and businesses could benefit from cheaper bills and greater energy security through plans to drastically increase the deployment of rooftop solar across the country.  

    The government has today (Monday 30 June) launched a pathway for the UK to rapidly accelerate the roll out of solar, helping drive down bills, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and powering economic growth with clean energy. 

    Families could save around £500 a year on their energy bills by installing rooftop solar panels as part of the government’s rooftop revolution – making working people better off through the Plan for Change.  

    The Solar Roadmap sets out the steps needed for the government and industry to deliver 45-47 GW of solar by 2030 – which will support up to 35,000 jobs and use less than half a percent of total UK land.  

    This includes:  

    • increasing solar deployment on new build homes through the Future Homes Standard to save households money on bills
    • launching a call for evidence to understand how to harness the untapped potential of solar in car parks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland  
    • plans to launch a safety review to unlock portable plug-in solar panels, making it easier and cheaper for people living in rented accommodation and apartments to install solar on their balconies and rooftops
    • stronger engagement with industry and trade bodies to identify skills gaps in the solar sector to support more people into well-paid clean energy jobs

    Research suggests 88% of the British public are in favour of solar energy. Since July, the government has taken action to deploy the technology at scale, approving nearly 3 GW of nationally significant solar – more than the last 14 years combined. This is the equivalent of powering more than 500,000 homes with clean, homegrown power. 

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: 

    Families have been paying the price for the fossil fuel rollercoaster for years. 

    Our Plan for Change means delivering more homegrown energy that we control to boost the UK’s energy security and save money on your bills. 

    Through solar, we are rolling out the quickest to build and one of the cheapest forms of energy for families to start saving hundreds on their energy bills, all whilst helping tackle the climate crisis.

    The roadmap outlines practical actions for industry and government to overcome the challenges to delivering this ambition within the next five years and boost the UK’s energy security. This includes providing a new blueprint for industry to overcome barriers in planning, electricity networks, supply chain and innovation and workforce and skills challenges. 

    There are already over 1.5 million homes in the UK with rooftop solar panels installed. According to MCS, the body responsible for certifying renewable energy installers, 15,496 solar installations took place in January 2025 on existing homes, a 16.5% increase on the previous year.

    To help households with the finances of installing rooftop solar, the government is working with the Green Finance Institute, the finance sector, consumer bodies and the solar sector itself to provide financial solutions for households and businesses.  

    The government has also made rooftop solar more accessible, having recently announced all new build homes will have solar panels by default to help bring down bills for families, through the Future Homes Standard. This will also see new homes benefit from low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps and high levels for energy efficiency.    
     
    This means recipients of new build homes will save money on their energy bills through government support, tackling the cost of living crisis for aspirational young families and new house buyers. 

    Rooftop solar not only adds value through lowering bills but it can also increase the financial value of the property. The government wants homeowners to cash in on this and is working with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to ensure that the value of solar homes is assessed properly. 

    Renters and those living in apartments could also be set to experience the benefits of solar as the government sets out the steps required to make ‘plug-in’ solar available in the UK. Plug-in solar works in the same way as rooftop solar panels, except it is portable and is connected directly into plug sockets – ideal for apartments with balconies. 

    Plug-in solar is currently unavailable in the UK due to longstanding regulations. But in Germany, around 435,000 balconies had plug-in solar installed in 2024 alone, saving residents in apartments money on their electricity bills.  

    Last month, Great British Energy announced an initial £200 million investment in rooftop solar for hundreds of schools and hospitals, with savings around £200,000 a month for some hospitals. 

    Solar Energy UK Chief Executive and Co-Chair of the Solar Taskforce, Chris Hewett said:  

    Today marks the dawn of a transformative era for how the UK powers itself.  

    The Solar Roadmap highlights dozens of practical measures needed to expand solar generation, boost the supply of cheaper and more secure power, foster new industries, create skilled jobs, boost biodiversity and slash our greenhouse gas emissions.  

    The sector is already growing fast, with around 700 small-scale rooftop installations being completed each day, but needs to grow faster. 

    Garry Felgate, Chief Executive of The MCS Foundation said: 

    The UK is experiencing a solar boom, with record numbers of subsidy-free solar panels being installed on rooftops across the country.    

    We welcome the Solar Roadmap which sets out the many ways in which we can maximise British potential for clean, cheap electricity.   

    Following on from the announcement that the vast majority of new homes will be required to have solar panels under the Future Homes Standard, the Solar Roadmap clearly demonstrates this government’s commitment to home-grown renewable power.

    Matthew Boulton, Director of Solar, Storage and Private Wire at EDF Renewables UK, and member of the Solar Taskforce said:  

    EDF Renewables UK is proud to have contributed to the UK government’s Solar Taskforce and welcomes the publication of the Roadmap.   

    We are at a pivotal moment for the solar sector, and we fully support the clear, coordinated action set out in the Roadmap that will help unlock the UK’s full solar potential.  

    We look forward to continuing our collaboration with government and industry to turn this vision into reality.

    Alexandra Desouza, EMEA General Counsel, Lightsource bp and member of the Solar Taskforce said: 

    The publication of the solar roadmap comes at a big moment for the UK energy sector — and especially for solar. Solar is key to the UK’s future energy mix and has a critical role to play in delivering secure, low-cost power.  

    The deployment of more solar and battery storage helps keep energy costs competitive for UK businesses, boosting economic growth and making companies more resilient. 

    As per the solar roadmap’s aims and ambitions, the focus is to shift to delivery for Clean Power 2030. This is a real opportunity for the UK to align behind a shared goal — bringing communities together, supporting farmers, and accelerating the transition to renewable and domestic generation.

    Kamal Rajput, Tata Steel UK’s Strategic Business Development Lead, and Co-Chair of the Solar Energy UK, UK Supply Chain Steering Group said:  

    We very much welcome the publication of the Solar Roadmap, highlighting the vital role that UK manufacturers such as Tata Steel will play in helping government achieve its clean energy targets.  

    With our product innovations such as the recently launched Catnic SolarSeam roofing system, and our MagiZinc products used extensively in utility scale racking systems, Tata Steel is well-placed to play a significant role in the growing solar energy sector.

    Case studies

    Case study 1

    Phil lives in North Leeds with his wife and son. They installed 14 solar panels and battery storage on their detached 3 bed property in November 2022.   

    The installation cost approximately £20,000 in total – £8,000 for solar panels, £8,000 for the battery and the rest contributed towards and Electric Vehicle Charging port. 

    Phil says:

    I wanted solar because we had an electric car and the prospect of charging it from the sun was quite attractive. Over the last 90 days, our electric bill was minus £18.60 – in other words, we’ve cooked, cleaned, tumble-dried, showered, watched copious amounts of TV, ran the car for 2,000 miles and we are owed £18.60!

    With retirement looming, we wanted to invest in the house to make it as cheap to run as possible. Our monthly direct debit is less than half what it was before the install.

    Case study 2

    Tim is a retired teacher living south of King’s Lynn. He had 12 solar panels and a battery storage unit installed on his 3-bed property in March 2024. 

    His home is a new-build property with an EPC rating B+ that also includes an air source heat pump that is powered entirely through clean power supplied by the solar panels. He’s also installed an Electric Vehicle Charging point on his drive. 

    Since installing the rooftop solar panels, Tim’s electricity bill has gone from £1,200 a year to £150 a year – saving of over £1,000 a year. 

    Tim says:

    I’ve been delighted with the results so far. Before I put the panels up, I used 3 MWh of electricity. Over the past 12 months the solar panels alone have generated over double that amount – meaning I am technically my own electricity supplier selling back to the grid!

    The panels will pay for themselves in 12 years but will last for more like 25 years whilst adding value to my house, should I decide to sell it.  

    I used the lump sum from my pension to pay for the panels. I see it as an investment for the future – an investment in the planet, but also my own financial security as my bills are now so low.

    It is great to be part of the green energy revolution! In a world of global warming and climate change, at least the house is now self-sufficient in power. The advantages of solar are so great that my father, aged 90, has also had them installed recently on his house near Nottingham.

    Case study 3

    Stourton Park and Ride in Leeds is the UK’s first fully solar-powered park and ride, featuring a 1.2 MW system of solar panels, battery storage, and 26 Electric Vehicle charging points.   

    The Solar PV system is estimated to generate 852,000 kWh a year and offset 471 tonnes of carbon in its first year – the equivalent of removing over 200 cars from the road.  

    Notes to editors  

    The Bundesnetzagentur (Germany’s Federal Network Agency) registered about 435,000 new plug-in balcony solar panel installations in its core energy market data register in 2024. 

    View the full Solar Roadmap.

    Read the data on public support for solar: DESNZ Public Attitudes Tracker: Spring 2024.

    Contact details to the case studies can be made available on request.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Public sends clear message that ‘PIP cuts are cruel’ and unjust – new poll

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Polling suggests a staggering 75% of the UK believe the Government’s plan to take   PIP away from people who need it is cruel  

    69% of respondents prefer the UK government to tax the super-rich rather than cut social security  

    ‘The message from the public is clear: poverty is a political choice, and this Government is dangerously close to choosing poverty and party politics over people’s rights’ – Jen Clark 

    New polling reveals that the vast majority of the UK public opposes the UK government’s plans to cut disability benefits, as Amnesty International UK warns the proposed changes to PIP are discriminatory and fundamentally out of step with public opinion. 

    Polling by Savanta, commissioned by Amnesty, reveals that 75% agree that taking PIP away from people who may need help is cruel – a view held consistently across all political, gender and age groups. 

    The findings come as Parliament considers a Bill that Amnesty says would entrench poverty, discriminate against disabled people, and fail to meet basic human rights standards. 

    Other key polling findings: 

    • 94% of people living with a disability say cutting PIP is cruel. 
    • 69% of respondents would prefer it if the UK government raised money through wealth taxes on the super-rich compared tocuts to social security. 
    • 59% believe that cutting PIP will not help more people get into work – undermining one of the UK government’s stated goals. 
    • 54% of UK adults say they do not support the UK government’s changes to PIP eligibility. 

    Jen Clark, Amnesty International UK’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Lead, said: 

    “The message from the public is clear: poverty is a political choice, and this Government is dangerously close to choosing poverty and party politics over people’s rights. 

    “Across every age group, background, and political belief, people agree that cutting PIP is cruel and they can see these proposals for what they are – unfair, unnecessary, and unjust.  

    “Disabled people are being targeted with harmful, ill-conceived changes that the majority of the public do not support. Taking vital support away from those who need it isn’t reform – it’s cruelty by policy. 

    “We’ve said it before: poverty is a visible sign of a failing social security system. When the Government knowingly pursues policies that make poverty worse, it is deliberately violating people’s basic human rights. The Government is steering us even further away   from being a society that support those most in need.   

    “Parliament must stand firm and refuse to back a Bill that risks rolling back disabled people’s rights and driving more people into poverty.” 

    Despite some proposed changes limiting the cuts to new claimants, Amnesty is calling on all MPs to stand firm and reject the current version of the Bill and demand a full human rights impact assessment, meaningful consultation with disabled people, and genuine reforms that reduce poverty rather than deepen it. 

    Amnesty’s key concerns with the Bill are: 

    • Cuts and freezes will push people into poverty, especially disabled people and those on low incomes. 
    • The Bill creates a two-tier system of support that deepens generational and economic inequality. 
    • The Government has failed to consult with disabled people and has not published a human rights impact assessment. 
    • PIP assessments remain discriminatory and unfit for purpose, with no guarantee that the upcoming review will address the reality. 

    ‘Consciously cruel’ – UK’s social security system  

    Amnesty’s recent report took a deep dive into the murky and divisive world of the UK’s social security system from the perspective of people’s human rights. The unique research examines violations of people’s basic rights to housing, food, education, healthcare and social security.   

    The report ‘Social Insecurity’ was a collaboration with over 700 benefit claimants and advisors to provide a platform for the people most gravely affected and show how politicians are playing with people’s lives and ignoring our most basic rights.  

    Regional polling results 

    Across the UK, people agree that taking PIP away from those who need it is cruel (the regions are polled as subsets within the wider poll): 

    • The North-West had the highest percentage of people in agreement, with a staggering 82% believing that PIP cuts are cruel.  
    • This was closely followed by 80% of people in the South-East.  
    • Of those polled in both Scotland and Wales, 77% believed that taking payments away from those who needed it is cruel and in Northern Ireland, the statistic was 74%.  
    • Other results included 76% in Yorkshire & Humber and in the East, 75% in West Midlands, 72% in East Midlands, 71% in London and 67% in both the North-East and South-West.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited and Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited in Liquidation: information for customers, suppliers, creditors and sub-contractors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited and Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited in Liquidation: information for customers, suppliers, creditors and sub-contractors

    On 30 June 2025, a winding-up order was made against Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited, and Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited. The court appointed the Official Receiver, Gareth Jonathan Allen, as Liquidator.

    Following an application made by the Official Receiver, the court has also appointed Matthew Callaghan, Andrew Johnson, Joanne Hewitt-Schembri and Samuel Ballinger of FTI Consulting LLP as Special Managers of the companies. The Special Managers have been appointed to assist the Official Receiver with the liquidations. 

    The Official Receiver will wind-up the companies in accordance with his statutory duties. He also has a duty to investigate the cause of the companies’ failure and conduct of current and former directors.  

    Information for customers and suppliers 

    If you are a customer of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited, and Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited please contact the Special Managers via email:  PLOR.customers@fticonsulting.com.  

    If you are a supplier of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited, or Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited, please contact the Special Managers via email:  PLOR.suppliers@fticonsulting.com 

    Information for creditors  

    You will need to register as a creditor in the liquidation Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited, and Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited if: 

    • you have not been paid for goods or services you’ve supplied 
    • you have paid the company for goods or services that you have not received.  

    To register as a creditor, you will need to complete a Proof of Debt, clearly identifying which company owes you money. A Proof of Debt form can be downloaded at GOV.UK 

    Please return the form, together with all supporting documentation, to the Liquidator at PLOR.Creditor@Insolvency.gov.uk 

    Once you have registered and the Official Receiver receives your Proof of Debt he will add you to the list of creditors and include you on future correspondence about the liquidation. 

    Information for sub-contractors 

    If you are a sub-contractor of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, Prax Storage Lindsey Limited, or Prax Terminals Killingholme Limited and are owed money, then you should register as a creditor and will need to complete a Proof of Debt. This can be downloaded at GOV.UK

    Please return the form, together with all supporting documentation, to the Liquidator at PLOR.Creditor@Insolvency.gov.uk.   

    If you were a sub-contractor of any other company in the State Oil group, you should contact that company if you have any concerns.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Convicted supplier of fake tobacco in Portsmouth has been ordered to pay

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Two members of staff from Fratton Food Store in Portsmouth have been convicted for their roles in supplying counterfeit and smuggled tobacco products.

     

    Following the previous sentencing, Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards carried out a financial investigation into the two store owners, Mr. Salar Karim Karam and Mr. Ali Kader Ismi to find out how much financial gain had been made from the illegal activities, leading to final conviction.

    On Wednesday 11 June 2025, at Portsmouth Crown Court, Mr Salar Karim Karam was handed a Proceeds of Crime Act ‘Confiscation Order’ totalling £27,260.20 for contributing to the supply of over 45,000 counterfeit cigarettes from Fratton Food Store in Portsmouth. Karam has 3 months to pay this order or face 12 months in prison. Portsmouth City Council’s Trading Standards service brought this action and were subsequently awarded £5,248.28 in costs. The financial enquiries into Mr Ali Kader Ismil are ongoing.

    Cllr Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure, and Sport, said:

    “Portsmouth City Council will use the full weight of the law to pursue criminal trading. We have a highly motivated and skilled Trading Standards team constantly investigating premises and individuals who break the law; we will catch them just as we have been able to bring these individuals to justice.  Those selling counterfeit items and tobacco products will be caught and risk severe penalties.”

    The Council’s trading standards team helps to protect residents from unscrupulous traders and ensure that businesses comply with the law. The team works with trained tobacco detection dogs to sniff out illegal tobacco at premises across the city, often based on information provided by members of the public or other businesses.

    If you know or suspect businesses in Portsmouth are supplying illicit tobacco, you can report it at trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. For more information search ‘trading standards’ at portsmouth.gov.uk

    The Council’s wellbeing service provides free support to help Portsmouth residents to stop smoking. Visit www.wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk or call 023 9229 4001 to find out more.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council to repair more than 7,500 potholes in drive to improve roads across city

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Resurfacing works are also taking place on some of the busiest roads to keep them in good condition for longer – which will mean fewer pothole repairs are needed in the future. 

    By using data to identify where preventative work will have the biggest impact, the council has reduced the number of roads in need of urgent maintenance.

    The council is building on this with more improvements across the city, including resurfacing and surface dressing alongside timely pothole repairs.

    A highways maintenance transparency report has been published here with more about the strategy and work done so far.
     
    The council is responsible for maintaining 480 miles of roads and nearly 800 miles of footpaths that keep communities connected and support economic growth.

    Over the past five years, approximately 32,000 potholes have been filled across the network, ensuring safer and smoother journeys for all road users.

    Moving forward the council’s strategy is focused on preventative maintenance to reduce the need for reactive repairs.

    The highways maintenance programme for 2025 to 2026 is centred on:
     

    • Resurfacing – Including key routes such as Cannock Road and Neachells Lane this July and August and more in the coming weeks. Much of the resurfacing takes place at night to minimise traffic disruption including Wellington Road and Lichfield Street, Bilston, which have been resurfaced recently.
       
    • Surface dressing and other improvements – Quick to do with little disruption. It prevents potholes forming and prolongs the life of roads. First stage repairs have been taking place on roads across the city before crews will return to give them new surfaces from August.
       
    • Reactive repairs – Permanent pothole repairs and emergency pothole repairs, when the size and location of the pothole is a risk to safety.
       
    • Footpath resurfacing – New footpath surfacing at many sites across the city.

    Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “By working smarter and focusing on preventative maintenance, we will not only improve road quality but also lower carbon emissions and deliver better value for money.

    “Fixing roads and tackling potholes is a priority for us and there is a wide programme of work taking place that we will be keeping people up to date with.”

    Maintenance of the highways network falls under the council’s £9.7m capital highways programme, which also funds improvements and maintenance to street lighting, bridges and other highways structures, highways management, car park upgrades and more.

    It was announced in May that the council has also secured an additional £2m from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement CRSTS, meaning even more potholes can be filled and preventative maintenance works undertaken.

    Work is already well underway on the road resurfacing programme for 2025/26 which includes: Cannock Road, Neachells Lane, Merridale Road, Wellington Road, Millfields Road, Lichfield Street in Bilston, Wood End Road, Hall Lane, Wrottesley Road, Ruskin Avenue, Prestwood Road, Rookery Street and Cumberland Road with more to follow.

    First stage repairs have also been taking place in roads across the city ahead of a programme of surface dressing from August. They include: Fairview Road, further sections of Penn Road, Birches Barn Road, Bhylls Lane, Pear Tree Lane, Bilston Road, Elston Hall Lane, further sections of Millfields Road, more of Wellington Road, Moseley Road, Dudley Road, Birmingham Road, Darlaston Lane, Warstones Road, Henwood Road and Salop Street.

    You can search your road via Causeway one.network to see updates on planned work, road closures and traffic diversions.

    Report a pothole by downloading our Love Clean Streets app at Report a pothole  or via the website.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New tools empower residents to report anti-social behaviour in Derby

    Source: City of Derby

    This week is Anti-social Behaviour Week 2025. We are highlighting the significant steps we have taken to improve how residents can report and access support for anti-social behaviour (ASB).

    In November 2024, the Council engaged with communities across the city through surveys and direct conversations to understand how effectively the Council, police, and housing providers respond to anti-social behaviour.

    One of the key findings from this feedback was that residents were often unsure who to report ASB to, and what information they needed to provide. In response, we have taken action to make improvements.

    We have since updated our dedicated anti-social behaviour webpage. The improved page now clearly defines what counts as anti-social behaviour, outlines which organisations are responsible for dealing with different types of ASB, and explains how residents can report it effectively.

    A new online reporting form has also been launched, allowing residents to report concerns quickly.

    Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:

    Listening to residents was vital in helping us understand where we needed to improve. Thanks to their feedback, we’ve made it easier for people to report anti-social behaviour, and we’re already seeing the benefits. We’re dealing with reports more efficiently and working better with our partners to tackle these issues head-on.

    If you see something that you feel may be anti-social behaviour, please visit our updated website and report it if necessary. By working together, we can make Derby a safer place for everyone.”

    As a result of these changes, we are now receiving more detailed and useful information from the public. This has enabled quicker responses, improved investigations, and strengthened collaborative working between us and our partners.

    You can also learn more about anti-social behaviour on the Derbyshire Constabulary webpage.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mum and best friend of rip current victim Joe Abbess share their grief and safety hopes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mum and best friend of rip current victim Joe Abbess share their grief and safety hopes

    The mother and best friend of a much-loved teenager who drowned in a fierce rip current at Bournemouth beach more than two years ago have spoken up to help people enjoy the coast safely this summer.

    Joe Green and Vanessa Abbess (Photo: Maritime and Coastguard Agency)

    Joe Abbess (17), a popular trainee chef and regular gym-goer, was in the water up to his waist during a trip to the seaside town with friends on 31 May 2023 when conditions suddenly changed. 

    As the summer season gets into full swing, Vanessa Abbess has joined with her late son’s best friend, Joe Green (19), and HM Coastguard to make a difference in his memory. 

    Vanessa said:

    Joe was incredibly loved by his family and friends, and I feel it is so important to tell his story. He was being so sensible and safe. He was healthy. He was strong. He could swim.  

    It is so shocking that Joe died and shows you’re never entirely safe in the sea – but there are ways to reduce the risk, which we want everyone to know.

    Joe Green was at the beach with Joe and other friends on the day of the tragedy. He and Vanessa are sharing how the loss still affects their lives as well as some easy-to-remember advice to enjoy the sea safely this summer. 

    See Vanessa and Joe speak on the MCA’s YouTube channel here: Mum and best friend of rip current victim Joe Abbess share their grief and safety hopes – YouTube 

    A 12-year-old girl also died that day in a separate group hit by the same rip current. Eight others were rescued. 

    Rip currents are powerful movements of water, not always related to the tide, that can drag even strong people off their feet, under the surface or out to sea. 

    Vanessa and Joe’s safety tips: 

    • Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags 

    • Go into the sea with a buddy 

    • In a rip current, don’t struggle and exhaust yourself. Instead Float to Live: float with your head back and ears submerged 

    • If you see an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 

    Vanessa, from Southampton, said:

    Even two years on, the world doesn’t feel quite right because there’s a great big Joe-shaped hole in our lives. Joe is, and will always be, loved and very missed every day. 

    We live on an island; people should know the dangers. You wouldn’t cross the road without thinking about it – don’t enter the sea without thinking about it. You need to think, what could happen? What do I do in an emergency? 

    Joe was a very caring young man – he would want people to know what happened that tragic day. And if by telling his story I can prevent this heartbreak happening to another family, that has got to be a benefit, in a strange way, because it’s absolutely awful to lose somebody you love like this.

    Joe Green, also from Southampton, added:

    It 100% has affected my life. I mean, you just never think this would happen to your best friend. 

    I miss him loads. Somehow after more than two years, it still doesn’t feel real. It still feels like he’s going to come into my life whenever I turn a corner. 

    I think he’d be very proud. I think he’d be very happy that I’m doing this for him, and his mum is doing this for him, because we just want to get the message across that this can happen to anyone.

    For guidance on staying safe by the coast, visit: https://hmcoastguard.uk/safety-advice 

    HM Coastguard Divisional Commander James Instance said:

    Vanessa and Joe have shown real bravery in reliving their loss to highlight hidden risks at the beach and how you can stay safe. 

    As we approach the summer holidays and our seaside gets busier, it’s a perfect time to remind everyone of a few simple tips to ensure your fun trip ends with good memories.

    Editor’s notes: 

    Vanessa Abbess is available for remote or in-person media interview in Southampton on Wednesday 2 July, 10am-4pm. Requests via public.relations@mcga.gov.uk  

    HM Coastguard Coastal Operations Area Commander Mike Buratti is available for remote media interview to give coastal safety advice from 1pm-4pm on Monday 30 June, Tuesday 1 July, Wednesday 2 July and Friday 4 July; and 10-12 on Thursday 3 July. Requests via public.relations@mcga.gov.uk 

    Photos must be credited to Vanessa Abbess, Joe Green or the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, as indicated.

    Press office

    Email public.relations@mcga.gov.uk

    Press enquiries (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 0203 817 2222

    Outside these hours or on bank holidays and weekends, for media enquiries ONLY, please send an email outlining your query and putting #Urgent in the subject title.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality: joint statement, May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality: joint statement, May 2025

    The governments of Australia and the United Kingdom gave a joint statement following the second UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality on 22 May 2025.

    Joint statement:

    In the face of increasing contestation and the rollback of hard-won progress, we reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

    We are deeply concerned about escalating attempts to reverse global progress on gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. We are at a critical moment, where we must coordinate with partners across the globe to continue progress on gender equality. Such efforts are vital to protect the fundamental human rights of all women and girls, everywhere.

    The erosion of gender equality and human rights undermines peace and security, and sustainable development. To accelerate progress, we need a strong multilateral system. The UN80 process is crucial to this, and we encourage ambitious, coordinated and transparent reform to ensure the UN system can deliver a progressive vision for all women and girls. Furthermore, enhanced collaboration is needed at the nexus between gender equality, humanitarian action, and climate change.

    We are jointly committed to continued collaboration on gender equality in the Indo-Pacific. We will continue to prioritise, protect and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights and the elimination of gender-based violence, including through the implementation of our joint Memorandum of Understanding on Gender-Based Violence. We will continue pursuing effective strategies for ending gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and countering rollback, including through joint learning and regional dialogues. We will also continue integrating violence prevention into our work to address climate change.

    We remain committed to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Core to the effective implementation of the WPS agenda are national and regional action plans and promoting women’s leadership to address contemporary challenges. We acknowledged this when discussing joint opportunities to mark the WPS agenda’s 25th anniversary at Ministerial level in 2025.

    Women’s rights organisations play a vital role in protecting and promoting gender equality. We reaffirmed our commitment to exploring innovative ways to bolster and support grassroots movements, including through increased advocacy in regional and multilateral fora and joint events.

    In this challenging environment, continued collaboration between the UK and Australia is vital. We urge everyone to stand with us to uphold gender equality, human rights, and democracy; all essential for a stronger, safer world.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Proposed merger of School Nursery Classes at Caol Primary and St. Columba’s Roman Catholic Primary.

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    On 26 June, The Highland Council took the decision to merge the school nurseries at Caol Primary School and St. Columba’s Roman Catholic Primary School.

    All such decisions must be ratified by Scottish Ministers. The Council has notified Scottish Ministers of its decision. They have an 8-week period from the date of the Council’s decision to decide if they will intervene by issuing a call-in notice. Within the first 3 weeks of that 8-week period, they will take account of any relevant representations made to them by any person on whether the decision should be called in, or not called in, for review by a School Closure Review Panel. 

    Anyone wishing to make a representation to the Scottish Ministers is asked to email schoolclosure@gov.scot or write to the School Infrastructure Unit, Scottish Government, 2-D (S) Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ, by midnight on Wednesday 16 July 2025 at the latest.

    Full details of the reasons for the recommendation are contained within the final report and associated papers, which can be accessed on the Council’s website.

    30 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council launches new electrical reuse facility at Nairn Recycling Centre

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has launched a new facility at the Nairn Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), enabling householders to donate working electrical and electronic items for reuse.

    Residents can now bring old, unused, or unwanted items such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, toasters, air fryers, and TVs to the Nairn HWRC, provided they are still in good working order.

    These items will be collected by ILM Highland, a social enterprise based in Alness that specialises in electrical recycling. ILM Highland will test and clean the donated items before offering them for sale in their retail shop and online. Proceeds from these sales support ILM’s home improvement services, which assist some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

    This initiative is supported by a £135,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund (Small Grant Scheme), awarded to The Highland Council and ILM Highland to promote circular economy practices for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) across the region.

    Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “This new reuse facility is the first of its kind in Scotland, and I am grateful for the funding from the Scottish Government’s Small Grants Fund, which has enabled the Council and our partner ILM Highland to deliver this valuable new service. Increasing opportunities for the public in Highland to donate unwanted tech items for reuse is hugely important. It helps reduce carbon emissions, preserve precious metals, and create jobs—contributing to the growing circular economy for electrical devices.”

    Martin MacLeod, CEO at ILM Highland, said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with The Highland Council to launch this new reuse facility in Nairn. At ILM Highland, we’re passionate about extending the life of electrical items and reducing unnecessary waste. By giving residents a convenient way to donate working appliances and tech, we can divert valuable resources from landfill and make them available to households who need them most. Every item reused helps to support our wider mission of tackling digital exclusion and delivering essential home improvement services across the Highlands. It’s a win for people, the planet, and the local community.”

    David Gunn, Manager (Recycling Improvement Fund) Operations at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see recycling and reuse being made more accessible to rural communities through this new service. By supporting households across the Highlands to recycle their electrical items, whether broken or in working order, this initiative is not only helping to reduce waste but also playing a vital role in Scotland’s journey towards a more circular economy.”

    In addition to the Nairn facility, the funding will support the introduction of reuse facilities at three other Household Waste Recycling Centres in the coming months. These sites will allow for the separation and collection of domestic appliances suitable for reuse.

    The grant also covers the purchase of a new van for ILM Highland, which is being used to provide monthly waste electrical and electronic equipment collections in communities with limited access to recycling centres—further boosting recycling and reuse efforts across the region.

    Before donating smart devices, householders are advised to:

    1. Back up your data – Save photos, contacts, and documents to the cloud, a personal computer, or an external drive.
    2. Delete personal data – Wipe all data and remove SIM or memory cards.
    3. Reset the device – Log out of all accounts and restore the device to factory settings.

    For opening hours and more information about the Nairn HWRC, please visit https://bit.ly/nairnhwrc  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: London gang members’ sentences increased for gun offences

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    London gang members’ sentences increased for gun offences

    Two members of a London gang have had their sentences increased following a referral by the Solicitor General.    

    Two men in a South London-based gang have had their sentences increased after the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.   

    The court heard details of the ‘WoolyO’ gang operating in Woolwich, South London. The gang were involved in a long running feud with another London gang which was played out through social media posts and videos, violence and drill music published online.  

    Essex Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and by the Metropolitan Police Trident Crime Command launched investigations into the WoolyO gang after three men agreed to meet WoolyO members in Aveley, Essex, to purchase some phones on the evening of Monday 20 November 2023.  

    However, the men were robbed of £4,000 cash and one victim was struck by one of the gang members holding a handgun, causing the loaded magazine to fall to the ground. When officers arrived at the scene, the suspects had gone but the same magazine was found.  

    The following morning, officers carrying out further enquiries returned to the scene where they located gang member Bryan Aidoo (19). He was found to be in possession of a zombie knife and arrested.  

    A mobile phone seized from Aidoo contained a high volume of criminal material referencing gang violence.  This included a video, featuring a fellow associate of the gang, Roqeeb Ladeaga (23),  where bullets were assigned to named individuals from other London gangs.  

    Messages were found celebrating the shooting of a rival gang member, discussing how to retrieve the handgun magazine lost at the robbery, and pressurising the victim of the robbery to withdraw his support for the prosecution. Footage showed the group handling firearms and referring to its criminal use. 

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    This was a ruthless gang who boasted about their criminal activities online, while using dangerous weapons to terrorise and threaten our communities.   

    I would like to commend the police for their comprehensive investigations and I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase Roqeeb Ladeaga and Bryan Aidoo sentences.” 

    Detective Inspector Yoni Adler, Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “In upholding the law, justice must be served – especially when firearms are involved. 

    We must demand accountability from those who threaten the safety of our communities. This hearing was not to debate the facts of the case. Those have been established in a court of law previously.  

    Instead, the appeal court has upheld the view that the original sentence was unduly lenient and therefore, the consequence of the defendants’ actions deserved a more fitting sentence, one that greater reflects the seriousness of the crime. 

    We have worked with the Crown Prosecution Service so that together we gain the public’s trust and confidence in our abilities to solve serious crimes and suitably sentence perpetrators, to ensure the integrity of our justice procedures. 

    Today, when the safety of our country’s streets is threatened by those armed with firearms, this new result ensures that justice is not only done—but is seen to be done.” 

    On 28 March 2025 at Basildon Crown Court, Roqeeb Ladeaga was sentenced for four years and six months imprisonment for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and Bryan Aidoo for four years for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and six months concurrent for possession of a bladed article.  

    On 20 June 2025, Ladeaga’s sentence was increased to five years and Aidoo’s sentence was increased to five years and   nine months concurrent for the bladed article charge.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Black Sabbath awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham

    Source: City of Birmingham

    The founding members of Black Sabbath were awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham at a ceremony in the Council House on Saturday.

    At the ceremony, the original band members of Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward were presented with their Freedom of the City scrolls and medals by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal.

    The Freedom of the City honour is the one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country and recognises people’s exceptional service to the city.

    This honour recognises Black Sabbath’s significance to the cultural and musical identity of Birmingham, their strong association with the city and continued influence as pioneers of heavy metal in both Birmingham and beyond.

    As part of the Freedom of the City, each band member received the title of Honorary Freeman and an engraving of their names on the Freedom of the City marble board was also unveiled at the ceremony.

    The scrolls were produced by local company Hilton Studios and the medals were produced by Jewellery Quarter based business Fattorini.

    The medal design was created by competition winner Toby Williams, a student studying in the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University.

    Toby’s winning design was inspired by the themes of industry and community, reflecting the people of Birmingham  

    Black Sabbath formed in Aston in 1968, going on to create eight albums and selling over 75 million albums worldwide. They are considered pioneers of the heavy metal genre and are one of the most commercially successful heavy metal bands.

    They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, awarded a Lifetime Ivor Novello Songwriting Award in 2015 and were presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

    Speaking on receipt of the award, Terence “Geezer” Butler said: “This is a great working class city, and we’re all working class, from Aston. We weren’t given a chance when we started out, but Birmingham has always been behind us. People used to make fun of our accents, but we’re all proud Birmingham people and we love this city. It’s one of the greatest cities ever, it’s given the world so much and we’re proud to be here.”

    Tony Iommi added: “It’s a great thing to receive. Birmingham is our home, and we love what Birmingham has done for us. We’ve got the bridge and the bench, things like that. We’re very grateful.”

    Ozzy Osbourne said: “I first put an advert in a music store in town. If these guys hadn’t come to my door, I wouldn’t be sitting here now. It seems to have flown by so quickly. It’s amazing. I think about my dad, who went into debt to buy me a microphone. If only he could be here now. I think he would be very proud. I’m a Brummie and I always will be a Brummie. Birmingham Forever!”

    Bill Ward added: “It’s completely overwhelming. I’m so proud to be an Astonian. That’s where I got my attitude. It was a blessed – and cursed! – to meet Tony when I was 15, and I’m so proud that I got to know Geezer and Ozzy. They’re my brothers. I love them very much and we love our city very much.”

    The engravings in the Council House building joins Black Sabbath bridge on Broad Street as a permanent tribute to the band and their accomplishments.

    Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of the city council said “From the streets of Aston to global success, the ceremony has been a fitting celebration of their achievements and connection to our city, showcasing the band’s incredible career as pioneers of heavy metal and recognising their continued legacy as part of Birmingham’s rich musical identity.

    Black Sabbath are global ambassadors of our city, and their music continues to inspire musicians across the world, so it has been wonderful to recognise the band with this honour.”   

    Councillor Zafar Iqbal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham: “It is a pleasure to pronounce Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward as Freemen of the City of Birmingham. 

    The Freedom of the City is one of the oldest civic honours and given in recognition of exceptional service to Birmingham.

    Conferring these honours on Black Sabbath’s founding members, who are proud Brummies, is a fitting tribute to the band, marking their importance to Birmingham’s cultural landscape and the pride of our city as their hometown.  

    Professor David Mba, Vice Chancellor, at Birmingham City University, said: “We’re proud that our University – and particularly the iconic School of Jewellery – has played such an instrumental role in this special recognition of a very special band.

    “The creation of these remarkable medals is a golden demonstration of how BCU – as rooted in Birmingham as Black Sabbath themselves – continues to answer the call of the city, standing alongside willing partners like the City Council.

    “Congratulations to Ozzy, Geezer, Tony and Bill. We hold great pride in your peerless representation of Birmingham on a global stage.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Museums give city economy multi-million pound boost

    Source: City of Leeds

    The city’s council-run museums and galleries have given a massive £47.3m boost to the local economy over the past year, new figures have revealed.

    The latest economic impact report compiled by Leeds Museums and Galleries sets out the remarkable figures, with the service’s eight sites also welcoming an impressive 939,494 people in the same period.

    Aimed at assessing the positive impact of the sites on the city and the region, the figures are calculated using factors such as overall spend on and off sites, employment impact and overall spend on local goods and services.

    Against an annual budget of approximately £5m, the figures mean that every £1 invested in museums and galleries in turn generates £9 for the city.

    As well as the economic benefits, the report also captures the huge social impact the service has, with 105,501 children and adults taking part in family activities, 46,349 school pupils visiting, as well as 38,855 visits from vulnerable adults and young adults.

    Successful applications for grant funding over the course of the year also brought £2,394,855 into the city and the use of local services supported 100 external jobs worth £3.3m.

    The news comes after the service recently launched a new contactless “Pay What Your Can” entrance model at Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, Kirkstall Abbey and Leeds Discovery Centre, asking visitors to help support the upkeep of the attractions and the care and conservation of more than 1.3 million objects.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The fact our museums and galleries have managed to achieve so much against such a uniquely challenging climate for the sector and for local authorities really does speak volumes about the exceptional work which goes into creating a visitor offer that’s exciting, innovative, and appealing to visitors.

    “The economic impact these wonderful attractions have unquestionably makes a huge difference to the city each and every year, but just as important is the social value our sites have, giving people of all ages the chance to engage with history, heritage, art and the natural world in a multitude of different ways, supporting education, combatting social isolation and raising the city’s profile as a national and international cultural destination.

    “Now more than ever we need the support of the public to ensure council-run museums and galleries remain accessible, sustainable and can carry on inspiring visitors for generations to come.”

    Among the country’s largest services of its kind, Leeds Museums and Galleries operates eight sites in total: Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, Temple Newsam House, Lotherton Hall, Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds Industrial Museum and the Leeds Discovery Centre.

    Popular exhibitions which have attracted visitors over the past year include a celebration of beloved children’s character Miffy at Leeds City Museum, Story Time at  Abbey House Museum, which explores how reading, learning and enjoying stories has changed through the ages, and Peter Mitchell, Nothing Lasts Forever at Leeds Art Gallery, a retrospective exhibition showcasing the work of British documentary photographer Peter Mitchell.

    For more information on Leeds Museums and Galleries, please visit: Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 4,000 school-based childcare places this September

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Over 4,000 school-based childcare places this September

    Nearly 200 school-based nurseries planning to open this September, with next wave of rollout – backed by almost £370 million – to launch in the Autumn.

    Thousands of families across the country will soon benefit from new childcare places in local schools closer to where they live, as the government’s school-based nurseries rollout is on track to deliver over 4,000 places this September. 

    Nearly 200 schools with spades in the ground, that are planning to open in just two months’ time, have reported they are set to exceed the government’s initial projections on places, meaning more high-quality, accessible and affordable childcare options for parents.

    Thanks to the brilliant work from school and early years leaders, these new school-based nursery places and thousands more across the provider sector are set to be available in time for working parents to take up the 30 government-funded hours, saving them up to £7,500 on average every year.

    On top of cash back in parents’ pockets, the upcoming milestone will break down barriers to opportunity for families by enabling more parents to return to work – increasing choices for parents, and life chances for children. According to a recent government survey, of the 2,723 respondents who are planning to increase their childcare hours in September, over half (1,425) are intending to up their work hours too.

    With savings from the government’s free breakfast club rollout – which has already delivered over two million meals – and school uniform cap, this rises to up to £8,000 for working parents who also have school-aged children, every year.

    As part of its Plan for Change, delivering on its promise of high-quality childcare to the children who need it most is a government priority. That’s why schools were chosen in places currently underserved by the market, to increase choices for parents that need it, in their local area. On average, 20 places will be available per site – and up to 6,000 new places in total across the 300 schools taking part in the first phase of the rollout.

    Last month, the government announced almost £370 million of further funding to support the future of the programme, with the next phase due to launch in the Autumn.

    School-based nurseries, private, voluntary and independent nurseries, as well as childminders, all have an important role to play in the government’s mission to get tens of thousands more children school ready every year and put more cash in working parents’ pockets.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    Giving every child the best start in life is my number one priority, and making sure hard-working parents are able to benefit from this rollout is a promise made, and promise kept.

    Every corner of the early years sector has a vital role to play, and the progress made so far, in the face of an enormous inherited delivery challenge, is testament to their dedication to children and families up and down the country.

    This September is only the beginning. This government has a clear Plan for Change to get tens of thousands more children school ready each year so that every child, from any background, gets the opportunities they need to get on in life.

    Alongside the benefits to family finances, high-quality early education builds children’s confidence, social skills, and prepares them for school. That’s why the government is backing programmes to provide early years educators with the bespoke tools, training and resources they need to help young minds to thrive.

    Already, 11,000 primary schools are registered to deliver the Nuffield Early Language Intervention, and 800 more settings have been recruited to the Maths Champions professional development programme. In the coming days, the Education Secretary will set out the government’s vision for Reception and next phase of action on school readiness.

    Minet Infant and Nursery School in Hayes is one of the nearly 200 schools set to roll out new early years places from this September. Headteacher Wayne Wathen-Howell said: 

    We’re proud to be opening a new nursery right here in our school – it’s a big moment for our community.

    Parents have told us how important it is to have affordable, high-quality childcare close to home, and this new nursery will make a real difference. Not only will it help families balance work and family life, it also gives our youngest children the best possible start in a familiar, supportive environment.

    Being based on a school site means children can settle in early, build confidence, and feel ready for the step into Reception. We’re excited to welcome them through our doors this September.

    Next year, the government will work with the sector to go further and faster, increasing funding to over £9 billion, building on £75 million already delivered to help providers grow places, and a record uplift to the Early Years Pupil Premium.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Black Sabbath award the Freedom of the City of Birmingham

    Source: City of Birmingham

    The founding members of Black Sabbath were awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham at a ceremony in the Council House on Saturday.

    At the ceremony, the original band members of Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward were presented with their Freedom of the City scrolls and medals by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal.

    The Freedom of the City honour is the one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in the country and recognises people’s exceptional service to the city.

    This honour recognises Black Sabbath’s significance to the cultural and musical identity of Birmingham, their strong association with the city and continued influence as pioneers of heavy metal in both Birmingham and beyond.

    As part of the Freedom of the City, each band member received the title of Honorary Freeman and an engraving of their names on the Freedom of the City marble board was also unveiled at the ceremony.

    The scrolls were produced by local company Hilton Studios and the medals were produced by Jewellery Quarter based business Fattorini.

    The medal design was created by competition winner Toby Williams, a student studying in the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University.

    Toby’s winning design was inspired by the themes of industry and community, reflecting the people of Birmingham  

    Black Sabbath formed in Aston in 1968, going on to create eight albums and selling over 75 million albums worldwide. They are considered pioneers of the heavy metal genre and are one of the most commercially successful heavy metal bands.

    They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, awarded a Lifetime Ivor Novello Songwriting Award in 2015 and were presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

    Speaking on receipt of the award, Terence “Geezer” Butler said: “This is a great working class city, and we’re all working class, from Aston. We weren’t given a chance when we started out, but Birmingham has always been behind us. People used to make fun of our accents, but we’re all proud Birmingham people and we love this city. It’s one of the greatest cities ever, it’s given the world so much and we’re proud to be here.”

    Tony Iommi added: “It’s a great thing to receive. Birmingham is our home, and we love what Birmingham has done for us. We’ve got the bridge and the bench, things like that. We’re very grateful.”

    Ozzy Osbourne said: “I first put an advert in a music store in town. If these guys hadn’t come to my door, I wouldn’t be sitting here now. It seems to have flown by so quickly. It’s amazing. I think about my dad, who went into debt to buy me a microphone. If only he could be here now. I think he would be very proud. I’m a Brummie and I always will be a Brummie. Birmingham Forever!”

    Bill Ward added: “It’s completely overwhelming. I’m so proud to be an Astonian. That’s where I got my attitude. It was a blessed – and cursed! – to meet Tony when I was 15, and I’m so proud that I got to know Geezer and Ozzy. They’re my brothers. I love them very much and we love our city very much.”

    The engravings in the Council House building joins Black Sabbath bridge on Broad Street as a permanent tribute to the band and their accomplishments.

    Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of the city council said “From the streets of Aston to global success, the ceremony has been a fitting celebration of their achievements and connection to our city, showcasing the band’s incredible career as pioneers of heavy metal and recognising their continued legacy as part of Birmingham’s rich musical identity.

    Black Sabbath are global ambassadors of our city, and their music continues to inspire musicians across the world, so it has been wonderful to recognise the band with this honour.”   

    Councillor Zafar Iqbal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham: “It is a pleasure to pronounce Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward as Freemen of the City of Birmingham. 

    The Freedom of the City is one of the oldest civic honours and given in recognition of exceptional service to Birmingham.

    Conferring these honours on Black Sabbath’s founding members, who are proud Brummies, is a fitting tribute to the band, marking their importance to Birmingham’s cultural landscape and the pride of our city as their hometown.  

    Professor David Mba, Vice Chancellor, at Birmingham City University, said: “We’re proud that our University – and particularly the iconic School of Jewellery – has played such an instrumental role in this special recognition of a very special band.

    “The creation of these remarkable medals is a golden demonstration of how BCU – as rooted in Birmingham as Black Sabbath themselves – continues to answer the call of the city, standing alongside willing partners like the City Council.

    “Congratulations to Ozzy, Geezer, Tony and Bill. We hold great pride in your peerless representation of Birmingham on a global stage.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: David Hill appointed as Interim Defra Permanent Secretary

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    News story

    David Hill appointed as Interim Defra Permanent Secretary

    David Hill will lead the department as the recruitment process for a Permanent Secretary continues.

    David Hill has been appointed as Interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

    David Hill has been appointed as Interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

    David’s term will begin on 30 June 2025 and will run until a new Permanent Secretary is in post. The recruitment process for a new Permanent Secretary is ongoing.

    David brings a wealth of experience to the position, having held several Director General roles at Defra since 2019. 

    This appointment follows outgoing Permanent Secretary Tamara Finkelstein’s decision earlier this year to step down after six years in the role.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Members reappointed to National Park Authority and National Landscape boards

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Members reappointed to National Park Authority and National Landscape boards

    Members will continue protecting England’s landscapes through the North York Moors National Park Authority and the Cotswolds Conservation Board.

    A series of reappointments have been made to the boards of the North York Moors National Park Authority (NPA) and the Cotswolds Conservation Board.

    Abida Nayyar has been reappointed to the North York Moors NPA for a second term of four years, from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029. 

    Katherine Chesson and Ellie Fujioka have both been reappointed to the Cotswolds Conservation Board for a second term of three years, from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028. 

    All reappointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  

    England’s National Parks and National Landscapes are home to some of our most important habitats and wildlife. The overall role of a board member is to contribute to the leadership, scrutiny, and direction of the National Park Authority or Conservation Board, and further its statutory purposes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Help us future-proof city play areas

    Source: City of Norwich

    Families across Norwich are being called on to help shape the future of their local play spaces.

    With many play areas showing their age and traditional funding sources coming to an end, Norwich City Council is launching a consultation to gather ideas, spark creativity, and set priorities for future investment.

    Norwich has 74 play areas, 17 multi-use games areas (MUGAs), 5 skate parks and 1 BMX track, all managed by the city council

    Whether you’re a parent, a child, a teacher, or a local resident, your voice matters. From drawing dream playgrounds to sharing thoughts in a quick survey or coming to a pop-up event, there are several fun and easy ways to get involved.

    Cllr Emma Hampton, cabinet member for parks and open spaces, said:

    “Norwich is fortunate to have so many play areas which we know are an important part of resident’s wellbeing, and we need to plan their future – help us shape what comes next.

     “We’re inviting everyone to be part of the conversation and help us build spaces that children love, and communities are proud of.”

    Play area pop-up events schedule – come and see us in the summer holidays

    (All events run from 10am to 2pm)

    • Wednesday 23 July – Eaton Green and Enfield Road
    • Monday 28 July – Harford Park and Chapelbreak
    • Tuesday 29 July – Heigham Park and West End Street
    • Wednesday 30 July – Chapelfield Park and Sewell Park
    • Thursday 31 July – Jenny Lind and Peterson Road
    • Monday 4 August – Pilling Park and Greenfields
    • Wednesday 6 August – Heartsease Rec and Marion Road
    • Friday 8 August – Eaton Park and Waterloo Park

    The consultation will also be taken directly into some local schools, through a partnership with Norwich Youth Advisory Board.

    Work to review the play areas is already underway, looking at things like accessibility, equipment, age suitability and where they’re located. Everything residents share will help:

    • Shape the play strategy
    • Prioritise improvements
    • Create inclusive spaces
    • Plan for future needs

    A draft plan is set to be shared later this year. The consultation is open from Monday 30 June until Sunday 10 August 2025. Take part at gettalkingnorwich.gov.uk/play

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –