Rules on owning pets ease for families in 900 military homes in Northern Ireland
Service personnel and their families have previously faced a bureaucratic process to get permission to own a pet if they live in military housing.
From this week, they can now keep up to two dogs, cats or smaller pets without needing permission.
The change is part of wider reforms that will allow military homes to be more personalised, including an easier process for allowing family members of troops to run a business from their home.
The changes are part of Defence Secretary John Healey's pledge to 'stop the rot' and improve standards in service accommodation.
In April, Mr Healey announced a new 'consumer charter' for service accommodation, including more reliable repairs, a named housing officer for every service family and a higher minimum standard for housing.
The Government has also brought 36,000 military homes back into public ownership in an effort to reduce costs and improve standards.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
IMCD receives upgraded ESG ratings from ISS ESG and Sustainalytics
Improvements reflect continued progress on emissions, transparency and ESG risk management. Rotterdam, The Netherlands (13 August 2025) – IMCD N.V. ("IMCD" or "Company"), a global leading partner for the distribution and formulation of speciality chemicals and ingredients, has received improved ratings from two leading rating agencies: ISS ESG and Sustainalytics. These upgrades reflect the company's ongoing progress across key environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas. The recognition follows IMCD's EcoVadis Platinum medal earlier this year, placing the company in the top 1% of all organisations assessed worldwide for sustainability performance. ISS ESG rating upgraded to B-IMCD's ESG Corporate Rating from ISS ESG has been raised to B- (from C+), positioning the company above the industry average. The rating reflects strong performance in managing ESG-related risks and opportunities, transparency in public disclosures and the implementation of responsible business practices. ISS ESG scores range from A+ (excellent performance) to D (very poor). Sustainalytics risk score lowered to 11.6Sustainalytics has reduced IMCD's ESG Risk Rating from 12.6 to 11.6. This maintains IMCD's status in the 'low risk' category. Sustainalytics cited strong management of material ESG issues and a best-practice approach to disclosure, supporting long-term accountability to investors and stakeholders. Sustainalytics scores range from 0-100: the lower the score, the better the performance. Cecile Westerhuis, Group Director, Sustainability, said: 'These upgrades are the result of clear direction and dedicated work across teams and functions. From our technical laboratories to logistics and commercial operations, every part of the business plays a role in making sustainability real. These ratings confirm that we are on the right track, and that our efforts are both credible and measurable.' Summary of IMCD's sustainability ratings: EcoVadis – Platinum Sustainalytics – 11.6 risk rating, low risk ISS ESG – B- IMCD's full list of sustainability initiatives and industry memberships is available at: - xxx- About IMCD IMCD, based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is a leading global partner for the distribution and formulation of speciality chemicals and ingredients. IMCD is an expert solutions provider and adds sustainable value to the supply chain. Every day professionals focus on providing the best service through commercial and operational excellence. The company is mindful of the role they play in creating a better planet for all and formulates with consciousness and executes with care, to address business challenges of tomorrow, in partnership and transparency. In 2024, with over 5,100 employees, IMCD realised revenues of EUR 4,728 million. IMCD N.V.'s shares are traded at Euronext Amsterdam (symbol: IMCD) and included in the Dutch ESG AEX index, as one of 25 companies within the AEX and AMX indices demonstrating best ESG practices. For further information, please visit Media contact Muriel Werlé Corporate Communications Director+31 10 290 86 14 mediarelations@ Investor relations contact Tosca Holtland Head of Investor Relations+31 10 290 86 53ir@ Attachment PR IMCD receives upgraded ESG ratings_20250813Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Elbit Systems Awarded $1.635 Billion Contract to Deliver a Range of Defense Solutions to a European Country
HAIFA, Israel, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) (TASE: ESLT) ("Elbit Systems" or the "Company") announced today that is has been awarded $1.635 Billion contract to deliver a range of defense solutions to a European country. The Implementation of the contract is expected to span over a 5-year period. The contract includes two groups of technologically advanced solutions from Elbit Systems. These solutions are based on the Company's cutting-edge technologies and portfolio and include embedded AI technology, among others. The first group includes long-range precision strike artillery-rocket systems and a broad-spectrum of unmanned reconnaissance and loitering aerial combat systems, from operational to tactical ranges, including personally operated drones. The second group includes, among others, highly sophisticated ISTAR capabilities, including SIGINT, COMINT and electronic warfare systems. Enabled intelligence collection and processing systems will also be delivered, along with advanced electro-optical (E/O) and night-vision systems, combat vehicle upgrade, and protective systems. In addition, Elbit Systems will deliver comprehensive military digitalization and Network Combat Solution, based on the last software generation and cutting-edge hardware communication equipment. This includes intelligence solutions from the C4ISR suite of command-and-control applications. This integrated solution covers all operational levels, spanning from the strategic army headquarters down to the tactical level, to the last combat vehicle. Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems: "This contract reflects the strong demand for Elbit Systems' cutting-edge technologies in Europe and demonstrates our ability to deliver integrated, multi-domain solutions tailored to the needs of modern defense forces. Elbit Systems' comprehensive portfolio has proven itself operationally in the battlefield and is highly regarded by its users, and we are proud to support a European nation in strengthening its national security through this strategic partnership. This contract also includes industrial cooperation aimed to strengthen the buyer's national industrial capabilities in the mentioned areas." About Elbit Systems Elbit Systems is a leading global defense technology company, delivering advanced solutions for a secure and safer world. Elbit Systems develops, manufactures, integrates and sustains a range of next-generation solutions across multiple domains. Driven by its agile, collaborative culture, and leveraging Israel's technology ecosystem, Elbit Systems enables customers to address rapidly evolving battlefield challenges and overcome threats. Elbit Systems employs approximately 20,000 people in dozens of countries across five continents. The Company reported $1.9 billion in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and an order backlog of $23.1 billion as of such date. For additional information, visit: follow us on Twitter or visit our official Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn Channels. Company Contact: Dr. Yaacov (Kobi) Kagan, Executive VP - CFOTel: + Daniella Finn, VP, Investor RelationsTel: + Dalia Bodinger, VP, Communications & BrandTel: + This press release may contain forward–looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Israeli Securities Law, 1968) regarding Elbit Systems Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively the Company), to the extent such statements do not relate to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions about future events. Forward–looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company, which are difficult to predict, including projections of the Company's future financial results, its anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends in its business. Therefore, actual future results, performance and trends may differ materially from these forward–looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: scope and length of customer contracts; governmental regulations and approvals; changes in governmental budgeting priorities; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates or sells, including Israel and the United States, among others, including the duration and scope of the current war in Israel, and the potential impact on our operations; changes in global health and macro-economic conditions; differences in anticipated and actual program performance, including the ability to perform under long-term fixed-price contracts; changes in the competitive environment; and the outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings. The factors listed above are not all-inclusive, and further information is contained in Elbit Systems Ltd.'s latest annual report on Form 20-F, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward–looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements. Elbit Systems Ltd., its logo, brand, product, service and process names appearing in this release are the trademarks or service marks of Elbit Systems Ltd. or its affiliated companies. All other brand, product, service and process names appearing are the trademarks of their respective holders. Reference to or use of a product, service or process other than those of Elbit Systems Ltd. does not imply recommendation, approval, affiliation or sponsorship of that product, service or process by Elbit Systems Ltd. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring by implication, estoppel or otherwise any license or right under any patent, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property right of Elbit Systems Ltd. or any third party, except as expressly granted herein. Logo: View original content: SOURCE Elbit Systems Ltd.
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Human rights ‘worsened' in UK over the past year, says US
A Trump administration report has accused the UK of backsliding on human rights over the past year, citing increased antisemitic violence and growing restrictions on free speech. The annual US State Department assessment, which analyses human rights conditions worldwide, flagged what it described as 'serious restrictions' on freedom of expression in the UK. 'The government sometimes took credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses, but prosecution and punishment for such abuses was inconsistent,' the report read. The report specifically said laws limiting speech around abortion clinics, pointing to 'safe access zones' curbed expression, including silent protests and prayer. 'These restrictions on freedom of speech could include prohibitions on efforts to influence others when inside a restricted area, even through prayer or silent protests,' the report read. In the wake of the 2024 Southport attack, the report said government officials 'repeatedly intervened to chill speech'. Criticism over the handling of free speech was also directed at the governments of Germany and France. A UK government spokesperson told the BBC: 'Free speech is vital for democracy around the world, including here in the UK and we are proud to uphold freedoms whilst keeping our citizens safe.' Sentiments echoed those previously made by vice president JD Vance. In February, Mr Vance criticised the UK over a legal case in which a former serviceman who silently prayed outside an abortion clinic was convicted of breaching the safe zone around the centre. In a wider attack on what he suggested is a shift away from democratic values across Europe, Mr Vance claimed the 'basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular' are under threat. He referred to the conviction of Adam Smith-Connor, 51, who had denied doing so but was found guilty last year of failing to comply with a public space protection order at the centre in Bournemouth in November 2022. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Mr Vance said that the US' 'very dear friends the United Kingdom' appeared to have seen a 'backslide in conscience rights'. 'A little over two years ago, the British government charged Adam Smith-Connor, a 51-year-old physiotherapist and an Army veteran, with the heinous crime of standing 50 metres from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes, not obstructing anyone, not interacting with anyone, just silently praying on his own,' he said. The report also said the Government 'effectively' enforced laws around freedom of association and the rights of workers. The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
