Author: MIL OSI Publisher

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

Smoke from the ongoing wildfire incident within the Cairngorms National Park is travelling over a wide area due to current weather conditions.

If you are affected by the smoke, keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

Residents and businesses in the east area of Aviemore, as well as across parts of Aberdeenshire – including Inverurie, Banchory and Kintore and surrounding areas – and as far as Aberdeen city, may see or smell smoke today and into the weekend.

If you are affected, keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

The wildfire incident remains dynamic and unpredictable. Changing wind strength and direction can cause flare-ups, reignition and the spread of smoke, with conditions continuing to evolve.

Firefighters remain deployed to tackling the incident across a vast and complex landscape, supported by ongoing helicopter water-bombing operations. Crews, specialist wildfire resources and partner agencies continue to monitor conditions closely and work to prevent further spread.

Please continue to stay away from the affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park while firefighting operations continue.

We currently have six fire appliances, Command Support Unit, and wildfire units at the scene as well as resources from our partners.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crews and specialist resources remain at the scene of the wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.

“Progress is being made; however, wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly.

“The situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to be influenced by changing weather conditions, particularly wind strength and direction.

“Wind changes often cause flare ups, fire spread, and smoke to change direction, as we are witnessing today and over the past 24 hours.

“Our wildfire tactical advisors are continually monitoring conditions. We remain in attendance along with partner agencies to dampen down hot spots and prevent further fire spread, supported by ongoing helicopter water-bombing operations.

“This incident has been appropriately and proportionately resourced throughout in line with the ongoing assessment of our experienced incident commanders

“Our advice remains that members of the public should avoid the areas affected as firefighting operations continue.”

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Emergency services urge people to stay away as Cairngorms wildfire operations continue into next week

Members of the public are asked not to bypass closures or travel into restricted areas.

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

Public Advised to Take Care Following Detection of Blue-Green Algae at Lochindorb Loch

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
Big win for Scotch whisky as US tariffs are lifted

Whisky products will have zero tariffs in the US from today

As a result of engagement led by the UK Government, distilleries and whisky drinkers on both sides of the Atlantic will be raising a glass to celebrate a landmark day for the beloved product as US tariffs are lifted.


From today [24 July], whisky from the UK will now have zero tariffs following the agreement that was reached during His Majesty The King’s visit in April.


Whisky distilleries across the country are set to benefit from the deal we secured from boosted trading with what is the largest market by value – in 2025, whisky exports to the US alone were worth £1 billion, almost 20% of all whisky exported from the UK.


To mark the long-awaited milestone, Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander visited Pernod Ricard’s Strathclyde Distillery in the heart of Glasgow.


Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said:

This is a day of celebration for Scotland’s whisky industry.

The removal of tariffs by the US is a significant measure that will open up opportunities for growth and prominence for this already beloved Scottish product in US towns and cities.


The action taken by President Trump demonstrates the partnership our two countries have and the close working in trade that supports economic growth both here in the UK and in the United States.


This is the second action this month which has opened up the world even more to our whisky exports, with the India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force earlier in July, seeing tariffs reduced from 150% to 40% over the next ten years.


Businesses have also benefitted from recent deals with China, the Gulf Co-operation Council, the EU, and the US, as the UK Government delivers for Scotland and continues to use the strength and reach of the UK to support economic growth in Scotland.


I join all those raising a dram today for the efforts to reach this point and look forward to seeing our whisky industry flourish.

The whisky industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs across the UK, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.

 
The removal of tariffs by the US is the latest big win for the industry this month, with the India FTA coming into force and reducing whisky tariffs from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over ten years.


Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Pernod Ricard’s Aged Spirits and Champagne division, said: 

We were delighted to welcome Secretary of State Douglas Alexander to the Strathclyde Distillery, to showcase our innovative energy efficiency technology and thank the UK Government for securing reduced tariffs with India and the US.


Popular blended Scotch whiskies exported overseas, such as Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal, use grain whisky distilled at Strathclyde in the very heart of Glasgow.

Trade deals can be explained in millions of dollars – but it’s when you visit a working distillery like this that you can see how improved market access can help secure economic growth in Scotland and across the UK at large.

Ian Duddy, International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: 

The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch Whisky in the US is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

As Scotch Whisky’s most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US.

From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.


This outcome is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between the UK and the US.

On behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty The King during his recent State Visit.

We look forward to building on this positive momentum and working with partners on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to thrive.

Despite a new round of global tariffs announced by the US today, our landmark Economic Prosperity Deal remains in place, and we see an improvement to our trading terms with zero tariffs on both whisky and medical technology.

 
The changes to whisky tariff arrangements with the US is the latest in a series of deals the UK Government has achieved to support businesses and economic growth.

Alongside the India Free Trade Agreement, deals with the Gulf Co-operation Council and the European Union have all shown the importance of working with global partners to grow the UK’s economy and trade partnerships.

Source: City of Portsmouth

Councillor Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport, said:

“This swift result shows that we will take the strongest possible action to stop businesses operating in unsafe and unhygienic ways.

“The conditions found at Copnor Takeaway posed are very serious risk to people’s health, and it will remain closed until the business meets the correct hygiene standards that all food and drink sellers a required to show.”

The business was immediately closed at the time of the inspection under a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

Portsmouth Magistrate’s Court agreed with the council’s actions and on 22 July signed a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, keeping the business closed until the health risk has been removed.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
Cross-government roundtable explores climate scenarios

GAD and the IFoA brought together 8 government organisations in London Climate Action Week to explore climate scenarios and strengthen resilient policymaking.

Credit: Alev Takil, Unsplash

Climate and risk specialists from the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) partnered with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) to host a cross-government roundtable on climate scenarios.


The event, during London Climate Action Week, brought together representatives from 8 government organisations to:

share experience
identify common challenges
explore how climate scenarios can support policymaking and long-term decision-making across government

Building resilience through scenario analysis
Government departments increasingly recognise that climate risks affect economic performance, infrastructure, public services and national security.


Many departments already use scenario-based tools for horizon scanning and strategic risk planning.

Attendees explored how these approaches could be used more consistently to inform policy and investment decisions.


The event opened with a presentation on how actuaries use scenarios, as opposed to forecasts, to test decisions against severe but plausible futures rather than a single central case.


The IFoA also shared insights from its contribution to HM Treasury’s Green Book Discount Rate review, exploring how long-term, transformational and highly uncertain decisions might be appraised differently from routine investments.


Sharing experiences
Drawing on a range of departmental perspectives, participants took part in facilitated discussions to consider:

where climate uncertainty is already well considered, and where it can be overlooked
the barriers to wider use of climate scenarios across government
what would help ensure climate scenarios are best used to support effective decision-making

GAD also shared a practical case study, drawn from separate GAD work with the Ministry of Justice on prison estate overheating risk.

This work examined the potential impact of rising temperatures on the prison estate.

It illustrated how scenario analysis can help organisations assess long-term risks, test potential interventions and support practical decision-making in the face of uncertainty.


The roundtable provided a structured opportunity for organisations to compare approaches, share practical experience and identify common challenges.


Discussions highlighted a shared interest in strengthening the use of climate scenarios across government, particularly through improved governance, better analytical tools and increased collaboration between organisations.

“The roundtable took place during a period of extreme heat and, following a Met Office red heat alert, moved to a hybrid format.

It was a timely reminder that climate risks are already affecting how we live and work today.


“It was encouraging to see organisations from across government sharing experience and exploring how scenario analysis can support more resilient decision-making.

”
— Matt Gurden, Deputy Government Actuary, Government Actuary’s Department

Source: City of Wolverhampton

8 care experienced young people and 7 members of staff from the REACH Team took on the challenge, setting off just before midday on Thursday (23 July, 2026) under cool and cloudy skies. However, it was not long before the sunshine appeared, making for a much warmer and more demanding hike than anticipated.

Despite the conditions, the walkers were rewarded with breath taking views across Shropshire and into Wales. The group took some well deserved time to rest, take in the scenery and enjoy being outdoors together.

One young person said: “I left my phone at home, so I haven’t been on it at all. I’ve really enjoyed the walk.”

Others spoke about how much they had enjoyed spending time outdoors and their interest in taking part in similar activities in the future.

The team has already raised half of its £2,000 target, with the money helping to fund memorable experiences for care leavers, including trips to the seaside, visits to London and other activities that many young people may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy. Anyone who would still like to support the fundraiser can visit Crowdfunder.

The event proved to be about much more than fundraising, giving young people and staff the opportunity to challenge themselves, strengthen relationships and create positive memories together – and the group are now thinking about an even bigger challenge next year, with several young people expressing an interest in climbing Yr Wyddfa, Mount Snowdon.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “I am incredibly proud of everyone who took part in this challenge.

“For many care leavers, opportunities to take part in activities and experiences like these can make a real difference. They help young people build confidence, develop independence, make new connections and create lasting memories.

“Thank you to everyone who has sponsored the team so far. Their generosity will help provide even more opportunities for care experienced young people to thrive, and I would encourage anyone who can to support the fundraiser and help the team reach its £2,000 target.”
 

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Mayor launches care home visits initiative to connect with older residents

24 July 2026

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council has launched a new initiative that will see her visit residential care homes across the city and district throughout her mayoral year.

As part of the year-long programme, Mayor Grace Uí Niallais will spend time meeting residents, listening to their stories and sharing memorable afternoons of music and conversation. Joining the Mayor on each visit will be the Hive Cancer Support Choir, providing entertainment with a selection of much-loved songs from years gone by.

The initiative aims to strengthen connections with the older community, celebrating cherished memories through music while bringing joy and companionship to care home residents.

This week, the Mayor officially launched the initiative with a visit to Longfield Care Home, where the Hive Cancer Support Choir performed a range of classic favourites, including Elvis Presley’s Love Me Tender and Sweet Caroline as well as the ever-popular Danny Boy. Residents, staff and visitors enjoyed an afternoon filled with music, laughter and conversation.

Mayor Grace Uí Niallais said she was delighted to begin the initiative.

“I am really excited to launch this initiative and was given such a warm welcome at Longfield Care Home. The staff and residents were incredibly friendly, and we spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying fantastic music from the Hive Cancer Support Choir and hearing so many lovely stories from the residents. It was also lovely to be able to celebrate some birthday’s while I was there.

“I would also like to thank the staff for their continued dedication and commitment to caring for others. They provide compassion, kindness and support every single day, and I hope this initiative helps shine a light on the invaluable work they do.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit and can’t wait to spend more time in care homes across the city and district throughout my year as Mayor.”

Hive Cancer Support is the Mayor’s chosen charity for her year in office. Throughout the year, the Mayor will support the charity by raising funds through a range of events and fundraising campaigns.

Care homes interested in arranging a visit from the Mayor are encouraged to contact the Mayor’s Office on 028 71 376508 or by email at [email protected].

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
Anti-dumping measure maintained on bikes from China

An anti-dumping measure on bicycles and certain bicycle parts imported from China will be maintained until August 2029 following a transition review.

An anti-dumping measure on bicycles and certain bicycle parts imported from China will be maintained until 30 August 2029 following a transition review of the measure conducted by the Trade Remedies Authority.

  
Maintaining this measure will help to protect the UK’s bicycle manufacturing industry, which includes many small and medium sized businesses employing thousands of people, from unfair international trade practices.


In its review, the TRA found that dumping of the imported goods would likely resume if the measure was removed; and that injury to UK industry would be likely as a result.

The TRA determined that extending the current measure could help prevent dumping of low-priced bicycles and benefit UK producers by £1 – £9 million per year.


Anti-dumping duties on Chinese bicycle and bicycle parts imports, including those consigned from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka or Tunisia, under the measure will remain unchanged, ranging from 19.

2% to 48.

5%, depending on the exporter.


Trade remedies investigations were carried out by the EU Commission on the UK’s behalf until the UK left the EU.

Several EU measures of interest to UK producers were carried across into UK law at this time and the TRA has been reviewing each one to assess whether they are suitable for UK needs.

This is the last of these transition reviews to be completed.


Background information:  

This transition review was initiated on 23 August 2024.

 
The reviewed products include bicycles and certain essential bicycle parts such as frames, wheels, handlebars, and brake components from China, including bicycles consigned from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.


The Trade Remedies Authority is the independent UK body that investigates whether new trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports.

   
Anti-dumping duties allow a country or union to act against goods which are being sold at less than their normal value – this is defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market.

  
The period of investigation (POI) for the review was 01 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.

To assess injury, the TRA chose the period from 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2024 as the injury period (IP).

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release
PM puts new offer on the table to businesses in first talks with industry groups: 24 July 2026

The Prime Minister has held his first calls with business representative organisations where he set out a new offer from government to Britain’s job creators.

Prime Minister holds first set of calls with leading business groupsto outline his vision for a stronger partnership with the private sector
Government to provide greater certainty, faster decisions and a stronger business voice in policy making to drive good growth in every postcode
Burnham calls on businesses to work with Government to tackle rising youth unemployment and restore first rung in the ladder for young people to get into work

The Prime Minister has today [Friday 24 July] held his first calls with business representative organisations where he set out a new offer from government to Britain’s job creators.


Speaking with organisations including the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Make UK, Small Business Britain, and Startup Coalition, Andy Burnham outlined a fresh partnership between government and business built around a shared ambition to drive investment, create jobs and grow the economy.


Together, these organisations represent hundreds of thousands of businesses across the country, from major employers and manufacturers to start-ups, high street firms and small businesses.


Acknowledging that many businesses have felt overlooked by successive governments, the Prime Minister said his government will be a circuit breaker by bringing down costs for business, creating a better environment for firms to grow and invest and delivering good growth in every postcode.


The new offer is centred on greater certainty, clearer long-term direction, faster decision-making and a stronger business voice in shaping policy.

At a time of heightened global uncertainty, this government will provide the stable foundations businesses need to plan for the long term, invest with confidence and help deliver good growth in every postcode.


This week the Prime Minister promised to give breathing space to people and businesses.

As one of the Prime Minister’s first promises delivered in his first week in office, he announced 20 per cent relief for pubs, clubs and music venues.

This will bring down costs for town centre businesses, support the places people value in their communities and sends a strong signal of intent that this government is on the side of Britain’s businesses.


The Prime Minister also set out his ambition for a more agile state, with more decisions taken closer to communities, employers and investors.

Over-centralised decision-making has too often slowed investment and held back regeneration, while devolving power to those closest to opportunities can cut unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure working people see the benefits in their local communities more quickly.


Alongside a stronger and more constructive partnership with business, the Government will take a much more active role where markets and regulators are not delivering for working people.

Whether on energy, water or other essential services, the government wants to ensure every family gets a fair deal and to crack down on businesses who fail to deliver the standards that the public deserve.

 
The PM underlined his commitment to reduce the frictions that make doing business and hiring people more difficult.

In return, he expects businesses to take seriously their responsibility to deliver good growth right across the country, and to take care of their employees and the communities in which they operate.


He also invited employers to work closely with the Government on some of the biggest challenges facing the country, including youth unemployment, tackling skills shortages and improving living standards.

The PM acknowledged that too many young people are not leaving school ready for the workplace, making it harder for businesses to recruit the talent they need and exacerbating the youth unemployment crisis.


Tackling youth unemployment head on will be a key test for the new partnership between government and business.

The PM will ask employers to work alongside Government to support more young people into work, while helping businesses develop the skilled workforce they need to grow.


Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“For too long, businesses have been carrying the burden of rising costs while working people have paid the price.


“We’ve all seen the consequences on our high streets with boarded-up shops, struggling local businesses, and employers feeling like they haven’t been heard across Whitehall.

 Every business that closes its doors means fewer jobs and fewer opportunities for young people to get into work.


“Britain has enormous strengths and too often we talk ourselves down.

We are a global powerhouse in science, technology, manufacturing and innovation.

We just need to do a better job of turning that success into jobs, investment and opportunity that everyone can feel in every part of the country.


“That’s why I’m putting a new offer on the table.

We’ll bring down costs, reform business rates and use the power of government to back British business.

We’ll listen, we’ll act and we’ll give firms the backing they need to reindustrialise Britain.

In return, I want businesses to invest in their people, back their communities and help us give every young person a fair chance to find a good job.

”
The Government will continue to work with international partners to deepen trade relationships and strengthen our economic security.

To kickstart that effort, the Prime Minister has been speaking directly with world leaders this week to discuss how we can strengthen trade ties and unlock new opportunities for British businesses here at home.

 
Despite a new round of global tariffs announced by the US today, our landmark Economic Prosperity Deal remains in place, which has led to an improvement to our trading terms with zero tariffs on both whisky and medical technology.

This demonstrates the value of active engagement with international partners to protect British interests, support jobs and give businesses the certainty they need to invest and grow.


Ministers are also determined to deliver workers’ rights reforms in partnership with businesses, trade unions and workers, making sure the changes support higher living standards, stronger businesses and good growth in every postcode.


The Government will also use the power of public procurement to back British business by default to ensure public investment support jobs, apprenticeships, innovation and skills across the country.


Notes to editors
This week, the Business Secretary and AI Minister have also engaged more than 200 business leaders and senior figures from business, science and technology organisations.

The Business Secretary told businesses he’d be their voice in government and recognised this government “has a lot of work to do” to move faster and be bolder than before to make our business environment better for companies of all sizes, sectors and from all parts of the country.

 
It follows the creation of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade earlier this week, bringing together Britain’s strengths in science, technology and innovation with the Government’s economic and industrial priorities.

The new department will have greater power to drive investment, support innovation and remove barriers holding back growth.


The PM spoke with the following business representative organisations and industry groups:

Enterprise Nation 
Family Business UK 
Institute of Directors 
ScaleUp Institute 
Startup Coalition 
British Chambers of Commerce
Social Enterprise UK 
Co-operatives UK 
Federation of Small Businesses 
Citizens Advice 
Confederation of British Industry 
Trades Union Congress 
Small Business Britain 
Make UK

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Full resurfacing is taking place at night and follows other improvements already completed in the street.

During the night time resurfacing works, Old Heath Road will be temporarily closed from its junction with Willenhall Road to outside 114 Old Heath Road between 7pm to 5am up until Wednesday 29 July (excluding weekends), with road relining to follow. Access and exit will be maintained where safe to do so.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Cabinet Member for City Transport at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Old Heath Road was identified and prioritised in our highway maintenance programme for treatment, approved by cabinet earlier this year.

“Surface dressing, which is proven to prevent potholes, has already been completed on parts of the road along with re-lining, while the footpaths have also recently been renewed. Now we are seeing full road resurfacing on the final sections of the road.

“These different types of work are delivered by separate contractors which is why they have been completed at different times. But all works are co-ordinated and, very soon, Old Heath Road – both carriageway and footways – will be looking much improved.

“In Wolverhampton, we have more than 480 miles of road to maintain and, like all councils, we cannot resurface every road at once.

“That’s why we must follow a targeted, planned approach to deliver long term improvements using resurfacing, surface dressing and other robust treatments to reduce the number of urgent repairs required on our roads.”

More resurfacing will be taking place across the city over the coming weeks as part of the council’s £10m investment in highways for 2026/27.