New Englia

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In the evolving domestic security environment, the proliferation of illegal, unregistered firearms and their increasing involvement in firearms-related situations around the country is becoming a topic of major concern for the nation's policymakers and numerous law enforcement agencies. In its crime statistics report for the previous decade, PSNE noted that there was a 35% increase in murders, robberies and other violent crimes involving firearms, with a large percentage of the weapons recovered from said incidents being obtained via otherwise illegal means. For both the PSNE and the Serious, Complex and Organised Crime Agency (SCOCA), the increased use of firearms in criminal activity paints a bleak picture of the future and represents a major failure on their collective parts to stem the flow of illegal firearms. Seeking to provide a much-needed boost to law enforcement, Secretary of State for Home Affairs Pippa O'Reilly piloted the Firearms Control Act, which would seek to impose a complete ban on all firearms and ammunition within the nation (be they pistols, shotgun and/or assault rifles). The bill comes amidst a similarly shocking report from the Office of National Assessments (ONA), which notes that on its current trajectory, firearms-related incidents will continue to intensify, with said incident becoming the majority in terms of crime. Speaking to the specifics of the legislation, Secretary O'Reilly stated that although the legislation bans the personal use/holding of firearms and ammunition, it provides for a unique exception for hunting and auctions. She noted that insofar as the bill allows for firearms to be used and owned by individuals for hunting, such an exemption is highly regulated, noting that individuals will only be allowed to acquire specific types of hunting rifles, from hunting rifle stores approved by the Department of Home Affairs. On auctioning, Secretary O'Reilly noted that rifles to auction/shows had to be historic rifles, noting that more modern/contemporary rifles, handguns and shotguns would not be exempted as rifles for auction. "It would be remiss of us to allow for modern and sophisticated high-power rifles to be viewed as auction rifles. This creates too much wiggle room for persons to have these types of firearms in their possession. This bill intends to ensure a complete ban on firearms of that nature," Secretary O'Reilly explained. Commissioner of the PSNE Douglas Pearce stated that the PSNE intends on conducting a firearms recovery exercise whereby it could encourage known firearms users to turn in their rifles for a reward, noting that individuals who fail to do so before a given deadline, could see their firearms forcefully seized in raids. "We maintain a national registry of individuals who own firearms legally and the types of firearms have in their possession and we will be requesting that these individuals hand over their firearms for monetary rewards, based on an assessment of the value of said rifles," Commissioner Pearce explained. Already the entire move to outlaw firearms within the nation has placed the central government at odds with numerous firearms owners associations who have stated that the law is not aimed at tackling crime but is aimed at "relieving them of their abilities to defend themselves." In a joint statement both Advocate-General Eimear MacGarry, SC and Secretary of State for Justice Dr Margaret Jennings stated attempts were already being made to strike down the law in the nation's courts, however as they note "New Englia is not like other societies whereby the ability for an individual to have a firearm in his/her possession is viewed as an almost inalienable right. Having a firearm is not a right under our laws and thus I expect that the courts will those the majority of these litigation attempts out." It has been speculated that this latest move is a direct attempt to curb the flow of firearms into the country which could potentially reduce the number of both legal and illegal firearms becoming available to known criminal elements, most notably the O'Lynn Band and the Byrne Gang.

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Agreement for New Englia Buying Natural Gas from Kafuristan

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For much of its history, the coastal communities of Dunnard have been extremely important to the province's economic development. Wherein underneath previous political administrations, attention had been granted to developing economic opportunities within the province's interior, the province's coastal communities were often left out of both the central and local government's plans for the province. Yet, the employment and economic opportunities that arose out of these coastal communities have outlived many of these aforementioned "in-land" economic development projects, primarily as a result of the work of the many individuals, businesses and communities dependent on much of the resources on offer by the ocean. However, it would be remiss of any administration to view this as a single that the province's coastal communities do not require/deserve the same degree of attention that is being rendered to the province's venture into biotechnology and advanced scientific research. The resilience of coastal communities is a direct result of the personal sacrifice of those individuals who draw their livelihoods from the ocean; thus a unique vulnerability arises out of this otherwise lonely and desperate attempt to rescue the province's coastal communities without government support. Without government assistance, individuals are being forced to use their savings in the development of infrastructure and initiatives aimed at securing the sustainability of their livelihoods against the disappointing inaction of the province's political administration. Although cooperative organisations have been formed to ensure mutual benefit flows from the collective use of personal savings for coastal infrastructure, the unsustainable nature of this represents a unique threat to the long-term sustainability of our coastal communities and the jobs and other opportunities which naturally flow for the ocean and the blue economy. Focusing on fisheries, over-fishing, and bureaucracy in obtaining fishing rights, is gradually creating the impetus for the relative collapse of the province's fisheries industry as the older generation leaves for retirement and the younger generations become disincentivised due to the relatively complicated nature of entering the industry and the relative difficulty in developing economies of scale amidst downward pressures from issues surrounding infrastructure, expertise and financing. With the future of our coastal communities uncertain, the need for a firm plan for the blue economy is becoming increasingly important.

In response to repeated calls by the resident of many of these coastal communities to save their livelihoods, a cross-ministerial committee was appointed earlier this morning to provide recommendations on how best the provincial government should approach developing a vibrant blue economy within Dunnard. The committee consists of Dylan Mitchell (Cabinet Secretary for Science, Technology and Sustainable Development), Emily King (Cabinet Secretary for Rural Development and Local Government), and Francis Parry (Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy) and would be chaired by First Minister Peter O'Donnell. According to First Minister O'Donnell, the committee had been given around three (3) months to complete its report on a review of Dunnard's blue economy and to provide recommendations on the way forward. Although the development had not been planned, Secretary of State for International Trade and Economic Development Dr Carl Stuart-Lane and Parliamentary Secretary of State for the Environment and Sustainable Growth Gavin Lawry announced the creation of the Institute for Marine Research (IMR) with the hopes of executing research into maritime research and the blue economy and providing technical assistance to provincial and local governments on building resilient and sustainable blue economies. Acclaimed marine biologist Dr Charlotte Stewart is set to be appointed as the Institute's director. First Minister O'Donnell stated that he intends on having a series of meeting with Dr Stewart in aligning Dunnard's plans for the blue economy with the wider national narrative and would also seek to establish synergies between the IMR and the Development Bank of Dunnard on the implementation and financing of future proposals which could arise out of the committee's completed report.

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Having formally commenced operations, the South Englian Timber Company (SETCO) has announced its intention to implement its multi-million dollar, multi-year long-term reforestation programme in the coming months. The programme, which is a statutory requirement for the company to commence its commercial operations, would see SETCO commit to some $50 million LOD over a 25-40 year period to rehabilitate forests and woodlands once occupied by the numerous small and medium-sized logging companies which once operated in the province prior to the sector's nationalisation. Anchoring on the promise of protecting biodiversity and reducing the severity and frequency of logging in the southern regions of the province, SETCO claims that the reforestation programme will become an example to all firms of how to balance commercial interests with sustainable development and environmental protection. Due to intense logging activities coupled with numerous illegal forestry operations, South Englia's once lush forests have become strained. The province's ancient forests have seen considerable damage as a result of dodgy practices at the hands of both legal and illegal forestry operations. According to the New Englian Society for Biodiversity, the death of the nation's ancient forests could potentially lead to a dramatic fall in species biodiversity, particularly among birds and flora. Setting an ambitious target of 15% reforestation coverage in the next decade, SETCO President and CEO Cameron Turner stated that the company hoped to surpass much of its target via collaboration with communities, NGOs and local bodies. Already the company has announced an MoU with "Plant a Tree Foundation", an NGO aimed at increasing national awareness of deforestation. According to Mr Turner, the MoU signed between the two parties primarily relates to tying the NGOs reforestation efforts with SETCOs. According to the NGOs website, it has already begun minor missions to replant trees in numerous communities bordering small-end logging camps. Planting begins next month, with around 1,000 volunteers and personnel from SETCO and the Plant a Tree Foundation having declared their intention to aid in the programme. The reforestation efforts will be primarily centred in the National Forest, with efforts being sectioned into blocks and various groups responsible for reforestation efforts in a specific block. When questioned on whether the reforestation effort would be simply to regrow forests and woodlands for the company to cut down in the future, Turner stated that the company has established commercial forestry zoning wherein the SETCO would only be allowed to operate in highly specific areas of the National Forest at a time, with a more intense reforestation programme for its commercial forestry zones being implemented solely by the company. "Our commercial activities are completely separate from what we are doing here. What we are going with THIS reforestation effort is a part of our statutory requirement to rehabilitate forests and woodlands once used for illegal forestry operations. Following directions from the South Englian Commission for the Environment and the [South Englian] Department of Agriculture, Biodiversity and Rural Development, we have established zones wherein our commercial activity can take place. In those zones, we are only allowed to operate within one zone at a time and are obligated to reforest said zones once we have moved on to another zone," Turner explained. Once completed, SETCO hopes that its efforts will contribute towards a revival of tertiary industries such as ecotourism within the area as the sector had been nearly destroyed due to intense commercial forestry.

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On the heels of the company's plans to begin operations in international fields, the New Englian Gas Company has announced its intention to enter the Vascanian crude oil and natural gas market amidst an improvement in the environment for new investment owing to the return of stable governance in the South Dovanian giant. Recently, information hit the international news waves of the Vascanian government's intention to deregulate the nation's crude oil and natural gas sector, thus reigniting to the prospect of the revival of the nation's once influential energy market. With much of the work related to establishing the company's formal operations, namely the development of the Cosgrove Industrial Estate, the company is now set to focus on extraction efforts in foreign territories with the hopes of fueling the company's ambitions to become a major producer of crude oil and natural gas products. In a statement earlier this morning, the company stated that it had signed off on an agreement to acquire two minor energy companies in Vascania (Bodigama Petroleum and Diptee Explorations) and had intentions to merge the companies into a singular subsidiary known as Burnside Energy. President and CEO of the NEGC, Henry Patterson stated that the company would be primarily responsible for the NEGC's operations in Vascania. "Anything related to our business in Vascania will be managed through Burnside Energy. This is an extremely important market and thus it is our belief that the company be able to exercise a degree of freedom which would allow for it to garner the most benefit for the company and the people of both Vascania and New Englia," he added. Patterson spoke to great lengths about the intention and ambitions behind Burnside's future operations, adding that the company would become involved along the entire supply chain from extraction and bunkering to processing and distribution. "We want to ensure the company maintains a diverse portfolio of operations whereby it can secure its future in the market and deliver a degree of permanency to what we are attempting to achieve here," Patterson said. In the interim, the vast majority of the natural gas and crude oil extracted from Vascanian fields will be refined and liquified in Vascania before being transported/shipped to New Englia where they will be used to create basic chemicals and petroleum products respectively. The company is set to obtain a loan from numerous financial institutions including Fairisles, Stanleys and FIBC to finance the construction of LNG trains and pipeline infrastructure intended to move gas from the offshore fields onshore to processing. With Burnside's board comprised of numerous personnel from the NEGC including Henry Patterson as a Director and NEGC Chairman Dr Elizabeth Hall as the board's chair, matters related to the company's executive management are currently being resolved. Dr Hall revealed that Finn Muckley will serve as the company's President with Krishnaa Chaudhari, a native of Vascania set to serve as the company's Executive Vice President. Chaudhari's appointment as Executive Vice President comes as the company has expressed its intention to be representative in its operations. "Mrs Chaudhari enters the position with a wealth of experience having worked in this sector for much of her adult life," Dr Hall explained. According to Dr Hall, the company will give back to Vascania via CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in the form of opportunities for young Vascanians to apprentice in the company's less industrial-intensive activities.

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One of the major centrepieces of the transformation and modernisation of the New Englian Defence Force is the re-development of the nation's expeditionary warfare capabilities. Already some plans have been operationalised, namely the Quick Reaction Force and the New Englian Parachute Corps. However, defence planners note that although the nation's ability to respond to situations on its border and potentially around the region has been enhanced by the formation of the Quick Reaction Force, the formation of an amphibious warfare capability is next in line for the Department of Defence. Speaking to the media on the plans for the New Englian Marine Corps, Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Lewis Blatherwick stated that the New Englian Marines' objectives would include conducting amphibious landings and engaging in expeditionary warfare operations beyond New Englia's borders. He stated that the CoNEM (Corps of New Englian Marines) would enhance the New Englian Defence Force's reach into nations and regions beyond the nation's natural borders. He explained: "One of the major strategic objectives in the transformation of the NEDF is to mould a force capable of conducting operations beyond our natural borders. We have seen over the period of half-decade the rising instability within numerous nations, particularly those within our own region. We view the continent as extremely important to our economic security and thus we must be in a position to defend our interests in that region should a threat present itself." Commandant-General of the Marines Major General Colm Mongan has stated that he intends on building the Marines into the nation's premier fighting force alongside the paratroopers. "We have been given a unique task/purpose. Expeditionary warfare is extremely different compared to those of the regular army and the paratroopers. It requires a fighting force to be ready and equipped to respond to any situation. I intend on moulding this corps into an extremely flexible and competent fighting force." Major General Mongan stated that he had been approved to build a force of around 800 to 1,000 marines in the interim. He hinted at some of the tactics/disciplines the future CoNEM would be drilled in including jungle warfare, cold-weather warfare, mountain warfare, urban warfare and desert warfare to name a few. Specialised units are reportedly being formed with Major General Mongan confirming that a special forces unit would be attached to the CoNEM known as the Special Boat Group whose operations will become the amphibious warfare equivalent of the New Englian Army's Special Services Regiment, Pathfinders and Special Air Group. Being an amphibious warfare formation, the marines will have access to unique equipment suited for their purpose/future roles. The Department of Defence has already launched bids for equipment with the BvS 10, CB90, LCAC/L and SDV being short-listed for immediate purchase.

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In a surprise announcement, earlier this morning, New Englian Gas Company (NEGC) Chairman Dr Oswald Hosking announced that the company would undergo a rebranding exercise, dropping the NEGC name in favour of something which it says would encapsulate the company's vision for its world locally, regionally and internationally. In a press statement, Dr Hosking said that the company's new name, Eastern Petroleum (EP) would encapsulate the company's vision of being a trendsetting firm from the eastern hemisphere seeking to transform the global petroleum sector. The rebranding represents a shift in the company's vision for its future in the global market, away from its solely natural gas foundation and towards a more diversified portfolio. It is speculated that the rebranding has little to do with the company's "renewed vision" and more to do with its particularly growing interest in sectors outside of the company's LNG beginnings. Just three weeks ago, the company announced that it would be entering the acclaimed Vascanian crude oil and natural gas market amidst a wave of deregulation/liberalisation, via a subsidiary company Burnside Energy. "It is our belief that the company's future lies primarily on providing an extremely diverse set of services and products and it was the view of the board that this renewed vision should be accompanied by a new look for the company, recognising we are turning a new chapter in the company." Dr Hosking said. Although the company is state-owned the New Englian Government has little power to interfere in the company's business, as Secretary of State for Energy and Industrial Strategy Mason O'Hanraghty puts it: "We are only responsible for appointing a competent board which is capable of moulding the company's operations towards bringing the largest benefit to the people of New Englia. A rebranding of the company or a deviation from its "founding market" is not a concern of the government as much of it lies outside of the section of responsibility. This government is of the view that the company is making the right decision to adjust its operations to fit that of a modern, diverse company." Dr Hosking stated that the rebranding would be accompanied by a restructuring of the company's core operations. Whereas the company had planned for its future petrochemicals business to be primarily managed through the NEGC brand, under the company's new structure specific operations will exist via separate, yet connected subsidiary companies. Its chemical production arm would be rebranded as Eastern Chemicals, its fuel trading business would be rebranded as the Eastern Fuel Trading Company, etc. He noted that the company's operations in Vascania will remain unchanged with the Burnside Energy brand continuing instead of switching to potentially EP Vascania. As the company positions itself to become a major player in the global petrochemicals sector and begins to lay the groundwork for its eventual confrontation with the established crude oil majors, Dr Hosking notes that remaining nimble and maintaining a diverse portfolio of products and services will enable the company to maintain a competitive advantage not wielded by other companies. "Yet amidst our ambitions, we have a long way to go," he concludes.

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National Citizen Bancshares, Repose Financial Holdings and Private Citizens Bank have passed numerous regulatory hurdles towards a three-way merger which when completed will create New Englia's second largest financial institution, behind Fairisles, with a combined asset value of around 8-10 billion LOD. In a joint statement, the three CEOs of the respective banks confirmed that it had passed numerous regulatory hurdles including scrutiny from the Supervisor of Financial Institutions within the Bank of New Englia and the New Englian Securities Exchange Commission. In the statement, the CEOs reiterated the means by which the merger would be executed: Private Citizens Bank would acquire all shares in National Citizen Bancshares, with the combined entity them acquiring Repose Financial Holdings in a multi-million dollar agreement. To numerous financial analysts, the merger of the three banks is in line with best practice as one noted that in other territories, financial institutions obtain economies of scale in a similar fashion. "If you were to look at how banks in Dorvik, Keymon and Lourenne grew, it is through acquisitions and mergers. Therefore what these banks are doing is not inherently new," explained Nicholas Campbell, a senior financial analyst for Crédit Nationale Loyauté. Lonmouth and by extension New Englia is shaping up to be a major global financial centre in the coming century owing to the efforts of the New Englian Government to diversify the nation's economy. The merger will come at a time whereby numerous companies are beginning to shake off their malaise and increase investment domestically and begin work for future regional and potentially global expansions. Once the merger is complete, which the combined CEOs believe could be as soon as next year, the combined entity would rebrand into Stanleys. Lord Mayor of Lonmouth Charley Privett and City Steward Emerson Carver both welcomed the acquisition noting that once the company restructures into its new operating sake of Stanleys, much of its operations will shift to Lonmouth. The restructuring programme established for Stanleys would see the bank's domestic business managed through a division known as Stanleys New Englia and its international business managed through Stanleys International. The Stanleys brand will take over the commercial, investment, and asset management business of the three merged firms. The merger and subsequent restructuring will place Stanleys in direct competition with Fairisles, the nation's largest privately-owned financial institution, however, Secretary of State for Finance and the Treasury Dr Allison O'Connor notes that competition between the two entities would be beneficial for both businesses and the wider public, once it does not become a game to destroy small to medium-sized financial institutions. "Competition, supervised by independent financial authorities is ultimately good for the economy. We want to encourage banks to grow into diverse and robust entities, however, we reiterate that we are not afraid to reign in incompetence and dodgy behaviour at the hands of these institutions. Growth in this sector should come at the expense of the consumer," she warned. Once operations have commenced in the rebranded Stanleys, Private Citizens Bank Chairman Alexander Huckstep will become Chairman having been appointed Chairman designate, with National Citizen Bancshares CEO Vivian Brand becoming CEO having been appointed CEO designate.

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In a joint statement issued earlier this morning, Prime Minister Norah Turney and the council of state announced a suspension to all diplomatic relations between New Englia and Suyu Llaqta in response to the nation's most recent military coup which has drawn condemnation from numerous quarters throughout the commonwealth. Secretary of State for Foreign and Dovanian Affairs Vivienne Dennison stated that whilst the New Englian Government continues to monitor the developments within the country, any formal diplomatic/political contact between New Englia and Suyu Llaqta would be suspended pending the collapse of the junta government and the return of legitimate democratic rule to the country. The coup, which had been largely orchestrated by the Llaqtese Army on orders that many speculate to originate from the nation's monarch, King Mosi saw the nation's democratically elected socialist government deposed in a largely bloodless military uprising. Calling the event a "gross disrespect towards the democratic process," Prime Minister Turney has called the release of Prime Minister Gadise Lalistu and the members of her cabinet and the return of a democratically elected, civilian-led administration to the nation. The coup comes nearly half a decade after New Englia and Suyu Llaqta made history by formally establishing diplomatic relations, making Prime Minister Turney the first New Englian head of government to visit the nation since independence. "This coup sets back diplomatic relations between our two nations which Prime Minister Lalistu and myself worked effortlessly to build. It represents a grave violation of the democratic aspirations of the Llaqtese people and should be condemned out of hand," Prime Minister Turney said in a passionate speech during Prime Minister's Question Time in the parliament. Foreign Secretary Dennison stated that although diplomatic contact between New Englia and Suyu Llaqta had been virtually ended, the services rendered to New Englian citizens residing in the nation would not be suspended. During question time, she reiterated the Department of Foreign and Dovanian Affairs' advisory to New Englian citizens residing in the country to remain indoors and seek contact with the New Englian Embassy. She noted that whilst it is not possible to begin moving citizens out of the country when the window of opportunity presents itself those who have identified themselves to the embassy and have expressed their intention to leave will be accommodated. Anticipating a potential rush for the New Englian-Suyu Llaqtese border, Prime Minister Turney has ordered Defence Secretary Magnus Dawson to dispatch the New Englian Army's Quick Reaction Force to the border. To apply pressure to the junta government, Prime Minister Turney has instructed New Englian Ambassador to the World Congress Morris Redgate to condemn the coup in Suyu Llaqta and push for a resolution within the Security Council to condemn both the coup and the junta government.

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In an effort to firmly plant the company's manufacturing base in New Englia, Electronic Instruments (EI) the nation's fastest-growing technology company has announced plans for the construction of the company's largest chip manufacturing plant in the Cosgrove Industrial Estate in North Englia. The announcement comes amidst growing concerns domestically as to whether New Englia's largest and most prosperous firms are beginning their ambitious treks into regional and global competition too soon at the cost of becoming negligent to the wellbeing of their foundations domestically. Pointing to the Eastern Petroleums head-first dive into a simultaneous expansion to its oversees business alongside and significant investments domestically, numerous analysts have noted that not enough attention is being placed on ensuring the majority of the jobs expected to flow from these firms and their expansions into other territories will ultimately benefit the New Englian people. Newly appointed CEO of Electronic Instruments Benjamin Russell stated that the company's philosophy would be different from other companies in that the majority of its operations will be centred in New Englia with considerable near-shoring in the Dovanian region. "We do not intend to establish factories in faraway countries, our base will remain in New Englia with considerable wiggle room given for potential operations throughout the region. If we are to place a factory in a distant nation it would be solely because it is our belief that a factory in said location would enable us to serve a particular market better. We will not expand to another country for the sake of doing it." The North Englia plant, according to Russell represents a commitment by the company to spend around 20 billion LOD within a long-term period on investment into enhancing the company's chip manufacturing process. Concurrently, there are no major chip manufacturers of notable worth, with the market primarily being served by an army of small to medium-sized firms. Russell explained that through competition with these firms, the company intends to gain economies of scale and specialise. "Through competition, we intend to make a name for ourselves as one of the best technology companies out there. We are committed to maintaining our culture of high-quality products as standard," Russel said. The company intends to build synergies between its factories and the universities surrounding them. In Cosgrove, the company is set to sign an agreement which would allow for internships by school students and allow for graduate students with degrees in engineering and information technology to easily transition into the firm after completing their degrees. "We want to ensure that young people remain the backbone of this company as we push to ensure it remains relevant and competitive." Construction on the plant is expected to begin in the coming months as the company irons out the final details with the Cosgrove Industrial Estate Development Company (CIEDC). First Minister Hannah MacSanly called Electronic Instruments' decision to focus its enhanced domestic investment activity in North Englia as a historic moment in the province's economic history as it has the potential to bring about the transformation the provincial government had been hoping for when it created the Cosgrove Industrial Estate alongside the New Englian Government and Groupe Larosière.