Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
How is Government going to fix NHS dentistry?
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is examining the effectiveness of the Government’s plans to fix NHS dentistry.
The Committee will hear from senior officials at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE), including DHSC’s interim permanent secretary Sir Chris Whitty, and NHSE’s Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard.
Just under half of the population had seen an NHS dentist in the 24 months pre-pandemic. This had only recovered to 40% by March 2024. The previous Government published its Dental Recovery Plan in February 2024, aiming to expand access to NHS dentistry over the next year. Other challenges for NHS dental delivery include the current dental contract acting as a disincentive to provide NHS care, falling numbers of dentists providing such care, and falling real-terms spend on NHS dentistry.
The NAO found that as of November 2024, it was not clear that any additional courses of treatment had been delivered under the recovery plan; just one dentist appeared to have been appointed under its new ‘golden hello’ recruitment scheme; and fewer new patients appeared to have been seen following the introduction of the Government’s new patient premium. Ministers had also decided to leave the procurement of mobile dental vans to local commissioners.
Other likely topics to be explored at the session include:
• The current condition of NHS dentistry and the impact of the dental recovery plan, which has an ambition to deliver an additional 1.5m courses of treatment by the end of March 2025;
• Addressing regional inequalities in access to dentistry, and the barriers to securing access to NHS dentistry for more people in England; and
• Future plans to recover NHS dentistry.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Will airports expansion drive regional economic growth?
Whether expanding airports in the south east of England can benefit the rest of the UK economy will be the focus of a Transport Committee evidence session.
MPs will question Aviation Minister Mike Kane MP and a senior Department for Transport official, following a panel with economists and industry experts.
It comes after the Government recently announced support for a third runway at Heathrow and proposed expansions at Gatwick, Luton and other airports.
Witnesses may be asked to consider economic factors linked to airport expansion such as: the tourism industry, tax revenues generated, the UK’s large aircraft manufacturing sector, increased capacity for air freight, and catalytic effects on other businesses.
The New Economics Foundation, which is represented among witnesses in this session, has said it has been “some time” since the Government has assessed the “marginal economic impact” that airports expansion may have. The think tank has also pointed to varying methods of calculating the net economic impact that increased air travel has on the UK economy. For example, whether greater outbound travel by Brits could see a larger proportion of consumer spending happen abroad rather than at home, and to what extent that is offset by money spent in the UK from international tourists.
Heathrow has itself previously said that expansion would mean growing its workforce of 28,600 people to over 100,000. The cross-party Committee will question a representative of Frontier Economics, a think tank commissioned by Heathrow Airport to look into the potential economic benefits of building a third runway.
There will also be questions about the capacity of airports around the UK, whether they are surpassing or failing to meet demand, forecasts on future demand, and the role that larger ‘hub’ airports could play with smaller regional ones – a ‘hub and spoke’ model.
The Minister and DfT will be asked to explain how airport expansion will fit into a wider national strategy for the aviation sector, and how air travel strategically links with other transport networks such as roads and railways.
Nearly half of EU citizens reported emotional or psychological difficulties in the last 12 months. In this video, we share the powerful stories of three individuals who have battled mental health challenges, faced stigma, and found ways to move forward. Hear their experiences, learn how they cope, and join the conversation about mental health awareness.
The European Commission is dedicated to combating stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, promoting awareness, and ensuring equal access to support and care for all.
Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
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InvestAI has just entered the chat. And Europe has entered the AI Race.
With this new initiative and the private sector, the EU aims to mobilise 200 billion euros of investments in AI in Europe.
Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds a press conference at U.S. Africa Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany Feb. 11, 2025
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Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
The Young Trade Leaders Programme was established to connect young people with the work of the WTO. Eric Andrew is the founder and Team Lead of AgrofixiNG, an organization in Nigeria successfully implementing solutions in agriculture and the circular economy.
Eric shares his impressions about the programme and his plans as a Young Trade Leader.
Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/ X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #SOAR
War leaves scars not only on people but also on the land. In Ukraine, vast fields are littered with explosive remnants, threatening the future of farming. Tiphaine Lucas, a Programme Coordinator for FAO’s Mine Action and Land Rehabilitation Initiative, is on a mission to collect and analyze soil samples, ensuring the land can once again grow wheat and sustain communities. Watch how science and resilience are helping Ukraine rebuild.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The Artemis II mission, slated to launch early 2026, will fly four astronauts around the Moon. This mission will last for about 10 days and will be the first crewed test flight of the Space Launch System rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and the Exploration Ground Systems at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Florida needed to support them.
Not only will this mission be the first time in over 50 years that human beings have seen the Moon close-up, Artemis II will also prepare us for future human landings on the Moon starting with the Artemis III mission and help prepare for future missions to Mars.
To learn more about the Artemis II mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)
Parliament debate on a matter of national importance on the fallen heroes of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who died in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Marie Slowdoska Curie is a pillar in today’s scientific advancements and has inspired many women and girls to follow in her footsteps. On the 11th of February, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
“For nearly 80 years the American and Japanese people have enjoyed a friendship like few others… After our meeting today, I’m confident that the cherished alliances between our two countries… will continue to flourish long into the future.” –President Donald J. Trump
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
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Highlights:
– Secretary-General/France
– Yemen
– Lebanon
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– Egypt
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Libya
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Somalia
– Security Council
– Cyprus
– Report/Africa
– International Days
– Financial Contributions
– Guest Tomorrow
SECRETARY-GENERAL/FRANCE
Earlier today, the Secretary-General arrived in Paris where, tomorrow, he will attend the Artificial Intelligence summit, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.
He is expected to tell leaders gathered there that the growing concentration of AI capabilities in the hands of a few companies and countries risks widening global inequalities and deepening geopolitical divides.
He will underscore that we must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots,” and he will call on AI leaders to pool expertise and cooperate with each other. He will emphasize that it is in the interests of government and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails.
While in Paris, he is also expected to meet with President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders during a working dinner later today.
He will also have a bilateral meeting with the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, prior to attending the AI summit.
The Secretary-General will leave Wednesday evening for the African Union summit.
YEMEN
Following the recent detention by the Houthi de facto authorities of eight additional United Nations personnel, including six working in Sa’ada governorate, which has impacted the UN’s ability to operate, the Secretary-General has instructed the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations, in the absence of the necessary security conditions and guarantees, to pause all operations and programmes in Sa’ada governorate, Yemen.
This extraordinary and temporary measure seeks to balance the imperative to stay and deliver with the need to have the safety and security of the UN personnel and its partners guaranteed. Such guarantees are ultimately required to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our efforts.
This pause is to give time to the de facto authorities and the United Nations to arrange the release of arbitrarily detained UN personnel and ensure that the necessary conditions are in place to deliver critical humanitarian support guided by the principles of impartiality, neutrality, independence and humanity.
The United Nations remains fully committed to assist the millions of people in need across Yemen.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=10+February+2025
Peace by Chocolate creates delicious confections that are more than just sweets; they are a way for Founder and CEO Tareq Hadhad to give back to his community.
Resettled with help from the UN refugee agency from Syria to Canada, Mr. Hadhad lives by his conviction that war cannot kill values
or hope.
In this spirit, he has used his company Peace by Chocolate to fund aid for those in need, including donating some $655,000 to support relief efforts across Canada and working with numerous humanitarian partners. Offering his own tip for how to prosper, Mr. Hadhad advises that kindness is the best investment.
Briefing by Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
“Mr. President,
Excellencies,
I am honoured to brief the Security Council on the 20th report of the Secretary-General on the
threat posed by Da’esh to international peace and security and the United Nations efforts in
support of Member States in countering the threat.
I am pleased to be joined by Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the
Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, Ms. Natalia Gherman, to present this
report, which was prepared jointly by our Offices.
I would also like to thank Mr. Colin Smith, Coordinator of the Analytical Support and
Sanctions Monitoring Team, for their contribution in the preparation of this report.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
The terrorism landscape is evolving and demands collective, multilateral action, as terrorist
attacks threaten life, wellbeing and the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.
Despite steady counter-terrorism efforts by Member States, international and regional
partners, Da’esh continues to demonstrate resilience and adapt its modus operandi.
The volatile situation in the Syrian Arab Republic is of great concern, especially as there is a
risk that stockpiles of advanced weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists. The Syrian
Badia region continued to serve as a centre for Da’esh external operational planning and a
critical region for their activities.
This instability also affects the camps, detention and other facilities in the north-east of the
country. An estimated 42,500 individuals, some with alleged links to Da’esh, remained held.
This includes 17,700 Iraqi and 16,200 Syrian nationals, as well as 8,600 nationals from other
countries.
Regrettably, the overall pace of repatriations declined significantly in the reporting period.
Only five Member States reportedly repatriated more than 760 individuals from Iraq and the
Syrian Arab Republic. The Government of Iraq repatriated approximately 400 Iraqi children
from the northeast of the Syrian Arab Republic to a rehabilitation centre. I would like to
commend Iraq’s leadership in facilitating the return of its citizens from northeastern Syria.
I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for Member States to facilitate the safe, voluntary and
dignified repatriation of their nationals still stranded in those camps and facilities.
ISIL-K continued to pose a significant threat in Afghanistan, the region and beyond. In
addition to attacks in Afghanistan, ISIL-K supporters plotted attacks in Europe and were
actively seeking to recruit individuals from Central Asian States. There were also reports of
small numbers of foreign terrorist fighters continuing to travel to Afghanistan.
I would like to recall the Secretary-General’s appeal to all Member States to unite to prevent
Afghanistan from again becoming a hotbed of terrorist activities.
In sub-Saharan Africa, Da’esh and its affiliates continued to increase their operations and
expand territorial control.
The situation is deeply concerning in West Africa and the Sahel, where Da’esh affiliates and
other terrorist groups intensified attacks, including against schools in Burkina Faso, Mali and
Niger. Both ISGS and ISWAP continue to operate and recruit fighters across borders.
In East Africa, Da’esh in Somalia successfully recruited foreign terrorist fighters and the AlKarrar Office remains a key financial and coordination hub for Da’esh in the region.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Allied Democratic Forces remained resilient
despite the military operations conducted by Congolese and Ugandan forces and perpetrated
horrific attacks resulting in over 300 civilian fatalities.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
The resilience of terrorist groups underscores the need for sustained international
collaboration. Member States must prioritize comprehensive, long-term responses that
address the conditions conducive to terrorism while strengthening the rule of law and
upholding international human rights and humanitarian law.
The United Nations continues to adapt and tailor its capacity-building support to the
evolution of the threat posed by Daesh and its affiliates. I would like to highlight four priority
areas of focus:
First, as sub-Saharan Africa has become the epicentre of global terrorism, we have prioritized
capacity-building support to the continent. Last year, my Office increased its delivery of
technical assistance by 16 per cent, relying notably on the work of our Office in Rabat. For
instance, our Fusion Cells programme delivered specialized training to 124 analysts from 21
African Member States (…)” [Excerpt].
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty at the Department of State, on February 10, 2025.
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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
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Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
This week at State, @SecRubio traveled to countries in our hemisphere: Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. In each country, he discussed the illegal mass migration crisis and ways to expand regional economic opportunities.
Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
In today’s interconnected world, small businesses have the potential to reach global markets, but they often face significant challenges, from scalability issues to complex trade regulations. Mohammed Amine Sabibi from the Marrakech-Safi Regional Investment Center shares how businesses can overcome these obstacles through streamlined processes, aggregation programmes and specialized financing solutions designed to support international growth.
Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm
: Have a look at the efforts of the U.S. Army Reserve’s work at home and abroad.
About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #USAR
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Rangers
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Petitions Committee has scheduled a debate relating to inheritance tax relief for working farms.
Ben Goldsborough MP has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. The Government will send a Minister to respond.
Read the petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700138
Find petitions you agree with, and sign them: https://petition.parliament.uk/
What are petition debates?
Petition debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means that MPs will not vote on the issues raised in the petition at the end of the debate.
The Petitions Committee can only schedule debates on petitions to parliament started on petition.parliament.uk
Find out more about how petition debates work: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/content/194347/how-petitions-debates-work/
Stay up-to-date
Follow the Committee on Twitter for real-time updates on its work: https://www.twitter.com/hocpetitions