MIL Pubishing Engine 2

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Correspondence
Called-in decision: land surrounding Ebbsfleet United Football Club, Stonebridge Road, Northfleet (ref: 3360355 – 30 July 2026)

Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a called-in application.

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Called-in decision: land surrounding Ebbsfleet United Football Club, Stonebridge Road, Northfleet (ref: 3360355 – 30 July 2026)
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Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a called-in application for:

outline planning application with all matters reserved, except for the primary means of access and road layout, for a phased mixed-use redevelopment involving the Demolition of existing buildings and structures including site preparation / remediation works 

the development of residential units (Use Class C3), Class E uses including floorspace for retail Class E(a)), food/beverage and drinking establishments (Use Class E(b)), local services (Use Class E(c)), indoor sport / recreation / fitness (use Class E(d)), healthcare space (Use Class E(e)), creche / nursery uses (Use Class E(f)), office floorspace (Use Class E(g)(i)); a new multi-use stadium with associated business and leisure facilities (sui generis), hotel (Use Class C1), community uses floorspace (Use Class F2)

the phased redevelopment will include other sui generis uses; delivery of open space and significant realignment of the road network including the A226 Galley Hill Road / Stonebridge Road / Lower Road with hard / soft landscaping, car and cycle parking provisions, infrastructure works, ancillary and associated works.

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Published 30 July 2026

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Source: Scottish Greens

30 Jul 2026 Energy

Shell announces massive “Blood-stained profits” for first half of 2026

The oil giant Shell has posted massive profits of £12.6 billion for the first half of the year, a huge surge of 70%. The Scottish Greens have criticised the international fossil fuel company for profiting from war and climate chaos.

The company has reported that the war in Iran has benefited it in the first half of the year, with international oil prices skyrocketing, allowing the company to post its highest quarterly profits in four years.

With household energy bills skyrocketing, the company’s profits will be sickening to many who have had to choose between heating their homes and eating throughout the winter. Now, with wildfires across Scotland, France, and Spain, the climate-wrecking impact of the continued reliance on oil and gas is becoming further apparent.

Scottish Greens energy spokesperson Kristopher Leask MSP said:

“These blood-stained profits are truly sickening; they have been built on the backs of the lives of those murdered by American military intervention in Iran, the families struggling with energy costs across the UK, and the future of our planet.

“The climate crisis is at our front door; wildfires have torn through the Cairngorms, forcing communities out of their homes and destroying natural habitats for wildlife across the highlands. There can be no justification for an energy system that allows this kind of profiteering, especially when so many are suffering.

“With the climate crisis worsening, we don’t have time to waste. It’s clearer now than ever that we must end our reliance on oil and gas and transition to renewables, which can create well-paid, secure jobs and lower household energy bills. 

“While we see oil and gas companies raking in these massive profits, we have politicians and lobbyists demanding the energy profit levy be scrapped. It simply doesn’t make sense to argue that companies making gigantic profits should be paying less tax.

“What we need to see is for these companies and politicians to stop using Scottish workers as political pawns. They have the money to properly invest in renewables and sustainable industries which could fuel a green revolution in the North East of Scotland, create tens of thousands of well-paid, secure jobs and cut our carbon emissions.”

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

July 30, 2026

An analysis published in Scientific Reports looks at recent changes in fire risk across Europe.

COMMENTS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT SMC SPAIN:
María José Sanz, director of the BC3 (Basque Center for Climate Change Research), said:“The research is based on robust and widely recognized international datasets, such as the ECMWF’s ERA5 reanalysis and climate data from NOAA.

The results are consistent with global evidence that climate change is causing weather conditions that are leading to increasingly extreme wildfires in various parts of the world.

It confirms trends showing that droughts and heat waves amplify the risk.

Furthermore, it expands existing knowledge by directly linking the interannual variability of wildfire risk in southern Europe to large-scale climate patterns, specifically the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

“Although the researchers themselves point out some limitations due to a lack of data harmonization, reliance on the analytical methods used, and uncertainty regarding the ability of current climate models to predict future changes, the data do indicate that there has been a shift in fire patterns in recent years that requires new strategies, including prevention.

Furthermore, there is a need to further develop new predictive systems.

Likewise, the study highlights the need for reliable and interoperable data.


“The implications are critical, as the Iberian Peninsula—and Spain in particular—is the most severely affected region, accounting for a high percentage of the area burned in southern Europe during the catastrophic 2025 season and the trends observed in 2026.

”
 
Jonathan Troncho, Technical Officer in the Knowledge and Applied Science Department at the Pau Costa Foundation, said:
“The article analyses the main meteorological variables underlying major forest fires, using the situation experienced in southern Europe in 2025 as a case study.

It explains the downward trend in the area burnt and the number of fires over recent decades, alongside the increase in meteorological fire risk.

The study examines the global effect of El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the regional effect of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the variability of the fire weather index finding an anti-correlation between the North Atlantic Oscillation and the fire weather index in some areas of southern Europe, but not in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula, where fire weather index variability appears to be related to El Niño-Southern Oscillation anomalies in region 1+2, associated with La Niña.

These relationships are statistical and do not in themselves demonstrate a causal link.


“The study highlights  the difference in fire regimes between the more Atlantic and the more  Mediterranean regions, particularly on the Iberian Peninsula, which calls for  differentiated strategies tailored to each context.

In both contexts, the  intensification of meteorological conditions increases the likelihood that some  fires will exceed the capacity of the fire-fighting system, highlighting the  need for a paradigm shift in risk management.


“Limitations: the variables studied are purely meteorological and do not  directly incorporate fuel characteristics; although the fire weather index  estimates the moisture content of dead fuel, it does not include its quantity,  structure or continuity.

Only the high rainfall and the resulting vegetation  growth in the spring of 2025 are mentioned in qualitative terms.

Apart from  surface conditions, recent scientific literature on extreme fire behaviour also  includes the vertical structure of the atmosphere and the interaction between  fire and the atmosphere as key factors in the behaviour and spread of forest  fires, particularly in southern Europe”.

  
 

‘Major intensification of fire weather across southern Europe in recent decades’ by Sarah Feron et al.

was published in Scientific Reports at 16:00 UK time on Thursday 30 July 2026.


 
DOI: https://doi.

org/10.

1038/s41598-026-61756-4
 

Declared interests
Jonathan Troncho: No conflicts of interest are disclosed.


María José Sanz: No conflicts of interest are disclosed.


 

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Correspondence
Independent HS2 Commissioner report 2

This is the second report from the Independent HS2 Commissioner.

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Independent HS2 Commissioner report 2
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The second in a series of regular reports from the HS2 Independent Commissioner.


first in a series of regular progress reports from the High Speed Two (HS2) Residents’ and Construction Commissioner.

The report will cover:

Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman (PHSO) findings and Commissioners ToRs; 
a brief summary of key developments in the project which may impact the role; 
a summary of complaints and claims to date; 
details of meetings and visits undertaken; and 
thematic issues that have been encountered.

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Published 30 July 2026

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Source: City of Plymouth

Families across Plymouth can enjoy a summer of affordable days out as children aged 5 to 15 travel free throughout August on Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach South West services starting in Plymouth.  

The offer is part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign and is designed to help families make the most of the school holidays while keeping travel costs down. 

Whether it’s a trip to the coast, a day exploring the city’s parks and attractions, or visiting friends and family, the free travel offer gives families more opportunities to get out and about and discover everything Plymouth and the surrounding area have to offer. 

Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy more of what Plymouth and the wider area has to offer this summer without worrying about the cost of travel. We know that the school holidays can put extra pressure on household budgets, so this free bus travel offer will help families go further, explore more and make lasting memories together. 

“Whether you’re heading into the city centre, visiting one of our beautiful parks, enjoying the waterfront or travelling further afield, Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach services can help you get there. I would encourage families to make the most of this offer and enjoy a summer of affordable adventures.” 

The free travel offer is available on all registered Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach South West local bus services starting in Plymouth throughout August.  

For full details, visit: www.plymouth.gov.uk/summer-bus-fare-offer  

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Speech
Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Serbia: UK statement, July 2026

Ambassador Holland commends the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.

Thank you, Mr Chair.


I welcome Ambassador Peško to the Permanent Council and thank him for his comprehensive report.

We commend the OSCE Mission to Serbia for its sustained work and continued focus on democratic governance, rule of law, media freedom, security sector reform and minority rights.


The report illustrates both the value of the Mission’s work and the challenging operating context.

The UK remains concerned by the deepening political polarisation and tensions that have accompanied the ongoing protest movement.

It is important to protect freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the independence of democratic institutions, including the judiciary.


We are particularly concerned by the deterioration in media freedom, and the rise in the number of attacks against journalists described in the report.

We welcome the Mission’s efforts to keep the Permanent Working Group on the Safety of Journalists functioning and its support for practical mechanisms that protect media professionals.

Independent media and the safety of journalists are essential safeguards of democratic accountability.

We encourage the Serbian government to facilitate the better operation of institutions dealing with attacks on journalists.


The United Kingdom welcomes progress towards re-establishing the Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media, and is grateful to the Representative on Freedom of the Media for his active engagement on this issue.

A credible, independent and effective regulator is vital for public confidence, media pluralism and the implementation of electoral reforms.

The Council should be allowed to carry out its mandate and resolve outstanding issues without interference.


On elections and democratic governance, we note the Mission’s support for reforms to electoral legislation and the Unified Voters’ Register.

These are important steps.

However, as ODIHR have underlined, significant recommendations remain outstanding.

Comprehensive electoral reform, implemented well in advance of future elections and in consultation with opposition parties and civil society, remains essential.


We thank the Mission for its valuable work to improve the rights of minority communities and increase their representation in public institutions.

These programmes help build trust between communities and strengthen Serbia’s long-term resilience.

We also commend the Mission’s work on community policing, youth engagement and women’s participation in security institutions.


We reiterate our call for Serbia and Kosovo to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to implement their existing commitments.

We also urge public officials to refrain from provocative, revisionist or harmful language in public statements, which risks deepening divisions and undermining reconciliation.

We continue to call for full accountability for the 2023 Banjska attack.


Finally, we thank Ambassador Peško and his team for their professionalism and dedication.

The Mission remains an important partner and a valuable contributor to security and stability across the region.


Thank you, Mr Chair.

Updates to this page
Published 30 July 2026

Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

Source: City of York

Developed by City of York Council, supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Cultural Passports for Young People provide funding opportunities for arts, culture and heritage organisations wishing to deliver activities through the programme.

Organisations can access funding guidance, submit grant applications and stay up to date with key application dates and programme information using the dedicated website – www.culturalpassportyork.co.uk – with the first phase for applications closing on Monday 24 August.

The Cultural Passport grant programme aims to give young people aged 11 to 18 from target communities, free access to a wide range of creative and cultural experiences across the region. By removing financial barriers and connecting young people with inspiring opportunities, the programme encourages creativity, builds confidence and improves access to York and North Yorkshire’s rich creative and cultural offer.

The launch follows the successful conclusion of the Cultural Passport pilot projects, during which hundreds of young people took part in a diverse programme of free activities including filmmaking, pottery, reading and writing, theatre, music and rap workshops, sculpting and much more.

Activities were delivered in communities across York, Bedale, Risedale, Skipton, Scarborough, Ripon, Tadcaster and many other locations throughout the region, ensuring young people from a wide range of backgrounds had the opportunity to discover new interests, develop creative skills and build confidence through participation in the arts.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said:

The aim of the Cultural Passport programme is to energise and inspire young people and open doors into a creative world that would otherwise be closed.  We are looking for projects that enable them to discover new skills, allow their imaginations to flourish and open opportunities for a life, and possibly a career, immersed in culture. We have some incredible, creative individuals and organisations across the county and would urge as many people as possible to put forward proposals.”

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:  From our rich heritage to our thriving arts scene, there’s no better place in the world to enjoy culture than right here.  

“By removing financial barriers through the Cultural Passport, we are helping young people discover everything their county has to offer. 

“The pilot proved just how much talent and enthusiasm we have, and I want more of our brilliant cultural organisations to apply so we can expand these opportunities.” 

Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and arts, said:

The benefits of arts and culture are well-known and enrich our communities in North Yorkshire, bringing a boost to our economy and helping improve health and wellbeing.

“This is a great opportunity to get young people more involved in arts, culture and heritage activities which could inspire them to follow a career in the sector.

“I would urge organisations which are hoping to deliver activities through the programme to submit an application for funding to ensure that our cultural and arts sector in North Yorkshire becomes even more vibrant and diverse.”

Insights gained through the pilot have helped identify the needs and interests of young people, while providing valuable evidence to shape future investment and ensure the programme reaches those who face the greatest barriers to accessing arts, culture and heritage.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story
Major £8.

4bn investment advances UK nuclear deterrent and backs British industry

The UK will continue to be kept safe for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the next generation nuclear deterrent submarines.

£8.

4 billion government funding committed to drive forward construction of the Dreadnought Class submarines 

around 47,000 jobs and over 6,000 suppliers across the UK supported by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 

the programme to deliver the four new nuclear deterrent submarines is advancing at pace 

significant step change in driving productivity and innovation to deliver faster and more efficiently 

The UK will continue to be kept safe around the clock for decades to come, as major investments will progress the next phase of the build of the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines, while backing British jobs.

 
During a visit to BAE Systems (BAES) shipyard in Barrow, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was accompanied on the visit by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, announced that government funding worth around £8.

4 billion has been committed to begin the fourth major production phase of the UK’s Dreadnought Class submarine programme.

The Prime Minister highlighted the pace of progress in the build and the government’s enduring commitment to national security and economic growth.

 
As part of this investment, a contract worth £5.

9 billion has been agreed by the government and BAES, the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) industry partner responsible for delivering submarine production from their shipyard in Barrow, the home of UK submarine building.

Further investments will be committed to Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby and the wider supply chain across the UK.

 
The DNE supports over 6,000 UK companies in the supply chain and backs around 47,000 UK jobs.

The Dreadnought Delivery Phase 4 (DP4) investment underlines defence as an engine for growth and reinforces the work to modernise our nuclear capabilities and the facilities that deliver them as a truly national endeavour.

 
DP4 will see HMS Dreadnought, the first of the four new nuclear deterrent submarines, complete its sea trials and be ready to enter service with the Royal Navy in the early 2030s.

Boat two, HMS Valiant, will reach sea trials while boats three and four will achieve key construction milestones.

 
This next phase looks to further enhance continual and sustained productivity growth in Barrow, where a 40% increase has been achieved over the last 3 years, and around 1,800 additional roles have been created under this government.

 
Building on the Defence Industrial Strategy, making defence an engine for growth, the contracts for DP4 will continue to back UK business, lead in innovation and sustain a resilient UK industrial base.

Utilising recent Single Source Contract Regulations changes, the BAES contract will incentivise faster and more efficient delivery with a focus on productivity and cost control, but only when agreed performance targets and programme outcomes are achieved.

 
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said: 
“Our nuclear-armed submarines are essential to keeping the UK secure, acting as the ultimate deterrent to our adversaries in an increasingly dangerous world.

 
“This milestone investment breathes new life into Barrow’s historic traditions and secures our commitment to deliver Dreadnought Class submarines by backing British industry.

 
“Supporting thousands of skilled, local jobs, we are fusing Barrow’s proud heritage with modern technology to build our security for the future, supporting the next generation to keep our country safe as their parents and grandparents did.

” 
The Dreadnought programme is supporting high-skilled employment across the UK, with significant opportunities for regions through the defence supply chain.

The wider DNE’s demand for UK workforce is forecast to rise to approximately 65,000 by 2030.

This growth is creating long-term opportunities for highly skilled jobs, including engineers, welders and apprentices, and for small and medium-sized enterprises.

 
The North of England is a powerhouse of British industry and innovation, and remains central to the DNE, which supports around 15,000 jobs and more than 1,000 supply chain companies, and spent £3.

4 billion in the region in the last financial year.

 
Chief of Defence Nuclear, Maddy McTernan CB, said: 
“This investment builds on significant momentum in the Dreadnought programme and our partnership with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the extensive submarine supply chain.

 
“This is a national endeavour that will deliver a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent for decades to come, providing the bedrock of the UK’s national security and the cornerstone of our commitment to NATO and global security.

” 
This milestone demonstrates the UK’s continued commitment to delivering on the Strategic Defence Review and maintaining its nuclear deterrent under the nuclear triple lock: building four Dreadnought submarines in Barrow, sustaining the nuclear deterrent, and delivering future upgrades, including the replacement warhead.

The significant DNE investment confirmed in the Defence Investment Plan reflects this unwavering commitment.

 
The UK’s nuclear deterrent underpins the country’s contribution to NATO and Euro-Atlantic security, demonstrating to allies and adversaries alike that Britain’s deterrent remains credible, independent and enduring.

 
This announcement highlights a programme delivering across multiple priorities: strengthening national security, supporting allies, transforming industrial performance, and driving economic growth across all parts of the UK.

Source: Green Party of England and Wales

Green Council Leaders have today written to the Prime Minister and Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government setting out “the crisis facing local government”.  

Their letter outlines the dire conditions facing councils across the UK dealing with “the compound effects of cuts, privatisation and neglect” as well as the immediate emergency measures needed to address this crisis. 

The Government’s own figures estimate that there is a £4 billion funding gap in local authorities, which the Local Government Authority predicts will rise to £7 billion by 2029. This funding gap severely impacts the ability of local authorities to deliver frontline services such as social care, housing and education. 

The letter outlines six immediate commitments to:

• Establish an emergency fund to deal with the temporary accommodation crisis, with a commitment to stronger powers to regulate the sector and nightly caps on costs 
• Provide councils with sufficient funding to cover the costs of their statutory responsibilities on SEND provision 
• Suspend debt repayments on all loans owed by councils to central government for a defined period to give councils room to breathe 
• Direct MHCLG to suspend the enforcement of cuts and asset disposal schemes as part of Exceptional Financial Support arrangements 
• Commit to central government covering the costs of the current local government reorganisation 
• Meet with councils to agree a funded infrastructure and capital investment plan

The full letter sent this morning is signed by the leaders of seven borough councils, two city councils, and three district councils.

Zoë Garbett, Mayor of Hackney and one of the letter’s signatories said:  

 “People across Hackney and the country are suffering as a result of a relentless cost of living crisis. Successive governments have underfunded and undervalued local government, leaving us unable to meet the drastically growing needs of our residents. 

 “I want to see Burnham succeed, because people desperately need to see their day-to-day lives become easier, more affordable and more secure. We are therefore suggesting measures the government can take immediately to ease the suffering of our residents. He simply needs to step up to the mark and deliver them. 

 “Alongside this immediate relief, we need systemic change too. It is time to end austerity, fund local government services, and begin to turn this country around. Burnham could be part of that change, or the same old same old; the choice is his.” 

Rachel Millward, Co-Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and one of the letter’s signatories said: 

“We’re still waiting to see which version of Andy Burnham is going to show up. He has made some noises about supporting local government, but we need to see action. Years of neoliberalism and austerity have left our councils, and the residents they tirelessly support, on the brink. I’m proud of the good work our Green councillors, council leaders, and mayors are doing all over the country, but we need serious intervention from national government to stop this crisis from spiralling even further out of control.”