Splashing across all of this morning's papers is the news of multiple terror attacks carried out in Tunisia, France and Kuwait, as Islamist fanatics appear to respond to the ISIL's calls for a wave of violence against foreign enemies during Ramadam.
UK TERROR ALERT
The Sun reports on a suspected ISIL plot to bomb an Armed Forces Day parade in Britain today. The paper reports that the suicide blast was intended to strike soldiers from Lee Rigby's unit in London, but the plot failed after one of its leaders in Syria unwittingly recruited an undercover Sun investigator to carry it out. According to the article, Islamic State kingpin Junaid Hussain, who fled to Syria from Britain, trained The Sun investigator to build the bomb, before the paper alerted police.
The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and The Times report that Britain is on alert for copycat attacks as police announce extra security at major public events. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball, Scotland Yard's senior counter-terrorism officer, says that the threat to the UK from international terrorism is "severe" and that the measures are intended to "protect and reassure" the public. David Cameron has summoned the Cobra emergency committee to co-ordinate Britain's response and vows to confront the Islamist "death cult", while Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command is working to ensure safety at today's London Pride and Armed Forces Day events. Security is stepped up and a Scotland Yard spokesman said: "The public are encouraged to attend or take part in events as normal".
A police spokesperson said:
The police, together with our security partners, remain alert to terrorist threats that may manifest here or where individuals overseas may seek to direct or inspire others to commit attacks in and against the UK.
It is always helpful when journalists share with us information, as The Sun did in this case, that could indicate terrorist or criminal activity.
Attacks yesterday show the global nature of terrorism and the threat level in the UK from international terrorism remains unchanged at severe.
While the UK threat level from international terrorism remains severe, we would like to reassure the public that we constantly review security plans for public events, taking into account specific intelligence and the wider threat. Our priority is the safety and security for all those attending or involved, the public are encouraged to continue with their plans to attend or take part in events as normal.
We would also like to reiterate our long-standing advice to remain vigilant and alert. As ever we would urge the public to get in touch to report anything suspicious by calling the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency by calling 999.
ARMED FORCES DAY
The Mirror reports on plans to help find work for families of military personnel and Army reservists, to be announced by David Cameron today. Unveiling the plans on the seventh annual Armed Forces Day, the PM is to say: “Today we celebrate our brave servicemen and women who work so hard to keep our country safe. It’s only right that once they leave the forces we give them the support they need to find a job. We also have a responsibility to our reservists and the families of our military personnel.”
BALTIC MILITARISATION
The Financial Times report that NATO is “cranking up” military machinery that has been largely dormant since the collapse of the Soviet Union, through a spate of military exercises and new deployments of tanks and artillery. The article states that, through a flurry of military exercises, the US and NATO are aiming to deter potential Russian aggression and provide reassurance to nervous allies, but the byproduct is a creeping militarisation of both eastern Europe and the western relationship with Russia.
The Daily Telegraph reports on a study which revealed Russian forces rehearsed the invasions of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark during a military exercise involving 33,000 troops. The Times reports on survey results which show more than half of Russians are afraid of war with the West even though President Putin’s approval rating has reached a record high.
IRAN
The Telegraph reports that John Kerry will meet with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zaif, today, to discuss demands from Tehran and their impact on the chances of a final nuclear agreement.
Today, thousands of people across the country celebrated the men and women of the Armed Forces, past and present, at more than 150 events to mark the seventh annual Armed Forces Day.
Events ranged from large scale parades to simple community events, but the main focus of attention was at the National Event in Guildford, attended by His Royal Highnesses The Duke of York and the Prime Minister David Cameron.
The Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon and the Worshipful Mayor of Guildford Nikki Nelson-Smith also attended.
The days celebrations began with a thanksgiving service at Guildford Cathedral, followed by a parade of more than 900 Service personnel, veterans and cadets through the historic heart of Guildford from the High Street to the outdoor events arena, Stoke Park.
The Duke of York took the salute on the parade route on behalf of The Queen and Royal Family, as the world famous Red Arrows roared over the square in tribute.
Afternoon celebrations continued Stoke Park with a variety of military displays including a Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado flypast. Visitors also enjoyed a Sea King search and rescue demonstration, Spitfires and Hurricaines from the RAF Battle of Britain memorial Flight and a Swordfish biplane from the Royal Navy Historic Flight.
In addition, crowds of an estimated 60,000 were treated to three parachute displays from the Royal Navy Raiders, the Army Red Devils and the RAF Falcons, as well as the Royal Signals White Helmet motorbike display team on the ground.
The Red Arrows took to the skies again as the military celebrations drew to a close accompanied by a tri-service group of military bands made of Her Majestys Royal Marines, Portsmouth, the Band of the Grenadier Guards, and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
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