Today’s news includes plans for a permanent memorial to the victims of the Tunisian terrorist attack in Britain, and a site of remembrance for all British nationals killed in atrocities overseas. This comes as Tunisia declares a 30-day state of emergency to enable security forces greater freedom to track down and combat terrorist groups in the country.
Also in the news today, a family of 12 from Luton has confirmed that it is living in Syria under the authority of ISIL, after a statement and photographs were released by the Islamist group. Meanwhile, ISIL have released a video showing the execution by teenagers of 25 Syrian soldiers in an ancient amphitheatre in the city of Palmyra.
Tunisia terrorist attack
Broadcasters, The Sun, The Sunday Express, and Telegraph online report that the Prime Minister plans to create a permanent memorial in Britain to the victims of the terrorist attack in Tunisia, paid for by levies on banks. There are also plans to establish a site of remembrance for all British nationals killed in atrocities overseas. This comes after the final five bodies of the 30 British nationals killed in the attack were flown back to the UK yesterday, arriving at RAF Brize Norton to be met by hearses and victims’ families.
Meanwhile the Tunisian government has declared a state of emergency, intended to last 30 days, after President Essebsi said the country is “not safe” from further attacks. The president blamed instability in neighbouring Libya for the on-going threat of terrorism in Tunisia.
Special Forces
A number of today’s papers report claims that the government has deployed Special Forces in Tunisia and Syria to target ISIL commanders, in response to the attack in Tunisia. The Sunday Express claims that Britainis to send 50 Special Forces soldiers to help the Tunisian government combat ISIL terrorists and train their national army, as well as offering ground radar to spot possible terrorist movements in remote areas. The Sunday Times and Daily Star Sunday claim that British Special Forces have been given “carte blanche” to launch raids inside ISIL-held territory, in coordination with the intelligence services, and capture or kill terrorists who pose a threat to the UK.
The Sunday Mirror claims that Special Forces units operating in Syria have stepped up operations against ISIL in preparation for RAF air strikes against Islamist forces in the country. Sources claim one reason conventional UK forces have not been deployed to Syria is that the UK is funding “legitimate” Islamic rebels fighting the Assad regime.
The Ministry of Defence does not comment on Special Forces.
Air strikes in Syria
A number of today’s papers feature opinion pieces on whether the UK should join in coalition air strikes against ISIL inSyria.
In the Sunday Mirror John Prescott argues that the government has failed to learn the lessons of failed interventions in Iraq and Libya. He says engagement with the British Muslim community is more important than military action, or compelling teachers to report young people at risk of radicalisation. Alternatively, former US Assistant Secretary of State James Rubin argues in the Sunday Times that joining air strikes over Syria would be a sensible first step in the government’s “full spectrum” response against ISIL. Mr Rubin writes should be supported by Special Forces to gather intelligence and coordinate strikes, and that there are alternatives to fighting alongside the Syrian army, including a partnership with Jordan and Turkey.
Patrick Cockburn argues in the Independent on Sunday that air strikes over Syria will not succeed in containing ISIL, unless the UK works with the Assad regime and makes this conditional on ending the use of barrel bombs. Alternatively, in the Mail on Sunday Peter Hitchens accuses the government of “ridiculous” floundering in compelling teachers to root out extremism in the classroom, and argues it would be a mistake for the British military to launch air strikes in Syria, effectively “fighting alongside” the Assad regime.
Finally, in the Sunday Telegraph Simon Heffer argues that the UK should not launch air strikes in Syria while lacking a “proper Armed Forces”, after defence spending cuts of 9 per cent since 2010. He argues the three Services are at their lowest point since the 1920s while large sums are spent on advisers, and a 2 per cent of GDP commitment to defence may not be enough.
Defence “perks”
The Sun reports that military chiefs have spent £609 million on private school fees for the children of armed forces personnel, while thousands of soldiers have been made redundant. Our response, which was not featured in the article, is below.
An MOD spokesperson said:
"This allowance makes sure children with parents in the Armed Forces do not suffer educationally but it should only go to those who really need it. Changes made by the MOD have saved the taxpayer £20m a year compared to what the last Labour government was spending."
The Mail on Sunday claims the MOD has come under pressure to curb “astonishing” staff perks, including money spent on hire cars for staff and golf courses on MOD land. Our statement on the MOD’s vehicle budget is below.
An MOD spokesperson said:
“The Defence Secretary announced a fresh crackdown on efficiency earlier this year and was clear that this was one of the areas that needed looking at. That is happening and we are currently running a competition for a replacement contract which will deliver better value for the taxpayer. We need to bear in mind that the nature of defence is dynamic and the fleet of vehicles required will constantly change depending on the situation. A lot of these vehicles are used to support specialised activity such as responding to bomb disposal calls, transporting troops to training exercises and moving equipment. But we also need to do more to deliver efficiencies and that work is already underway.”
This week the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery took over from the Household Cavalry to provide the Queens Life Guard at Horse Guards. More usually associated with the ceremonial gun salutes and musical rides with their 13lb guns, they took on the role of both mounted and dismounted guard at the entrance of Horse Guards.
This year, for the first time, they are using Knightsbridge Barracks, the home of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, for the period of their duty, as opposed to Wellington Barracks, which they have used in previous years.
Londoners can now enjoy the spectacle of a different uniform and a different army regiment at Horse Guards on Whitehall.
Photographer: Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC