Further reports of the terrorist attack in Tunisia continues to dominate both the broadcast and print headlines, as 15 Britons have been confirmed as killed by an ISIL extremist. Coverage also features Armed Forces Day, the A400M, Naval manpower and the treatment of Military dogs.
Terrorist Attacks - Tunisia, France and Kuwait
Widespread coverage of the horrific terrorist attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait continues throughout today’s papers, with the main focus on Tunisia as it becomes clear that British tourists bore the brunt of the attack by an ISIL extremist. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office continues to provide consular assistance to all those affected.
Writing in the Mail on Sunday today, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon reiterates the Government’s commitment to tackling the poisonous ideology of Islamist extremism, both at home and abroad, and praises the work the Armed Forces are already doing to combat ISIL in the Middle East.
As we review our defence and security this year we will never forget these murders. No one should be in any doubt of our resolve. These attacks will only stiffen our determination to keep our country safe.
Armed Forces Day
Events were held across the country yesterday to pay tribute to the Armed Forces and their families, with coverage throughout many of the papers, including the Sunday Mirror, as members of the public came out to support our personnel and recognise them for the vital work they do.
The Foreign Secretary also pays tribute to the Armed Forces in an Op Ed in the Sunday Telegraph, saying we should “redouble our efforts and look at what more we can do to support them”.
News that Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has written to the FTSE 350 companies to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant is covered in the Sunday Mirror. Currently only 11 percent of the FTSE 350 have committed to the Armed Forces Covenant, and both the Defence Secretary and Prime Minister have called upon them to do more to support Reservists and Veterans. The Paper also reports on the MOD’s new £100 million Career Transition Partnership programme that will ensure that Armed Forces personnel continue to be well supported when they leave service and can translate their acquired skills, experience and qualifications into a successful civilian career.
A400M Transport Plane
The Sunday Times claims that that the £125m aircraft chosen by the MOD to replace the Hercules C130 transport plane has an “embarrassing flaw” - it has failed tests to prove that it can safely carry out mass paratroop drops on the battlefield. It is reported that the flaws in the A400M could force the Government to rethink its plans for 22 of the giant aircraft in the Defence review later this year.
However, the MOD is clear that the A400M is on track to replace the C130 fleet and troops will be able parachute from the side doors. Thorough checks and procedures are in place to ensure it is safe for RAF crews to fly during the trial phase and, as planned, UK test parachutists have successfully launched from the aircraft’s ramp while partner nations under the Airbus programme have completed side door parachute trials
Royal Navy Recruitment
The Mail on Sunday writes that Defence cuts have left the Royal Navy so desperately short of engineers that commanders are spending millions of pounds trying to persuade sailors they made redundant to come back to the service. The paper reports that the Navy spent £10 million on redundancy payments for 500 engineers in 2011, but is now urgently attempting to lure some of them back to fill a shortfall of 250 positions on warships and submarines. Admirals have launched a £2.5 million ‘re-recruitment drive’ with adverts calling on former engineers to resume their career where they left off, on salaries of up to £50,000.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said:
The Royal Navy is committed to a range of innovative measures designed to address nationally acknowledged challenges in recruiting and retaining engineering and technical expertise in a highly competitive employment market. These measures are already producing results allowing the Royal Navy to continue to deliver maritime capability where it is needed.
Military Dogs
The People reports that the Armed Forces has put down 58 dogs in a year, more than a quarter up on the previous year. Shadow Defence Minister Kevan Jones calls for the MOD to explain why, however the piece does not reflect our full position, which can be found below:
The majority of our dogs are re-homed at the end of their military service but the MOD’s priority has to be the welfare of the animals. A decision to put an animal down is only taken by a vet after all possible treatments have been exhausted and it is considered to be the most humane option. The only other scenario where an animal would be put down is where it is considered to pose a risk to public safety.
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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