This morning, a BBC R4 Today report questioned the Army’s continued use of the anti-malarial medication ‘Larium’. The newspapers focused on defence spending, Afghan interpreters and cyber warfare.
Lariam
BBC R4 Today reported that the MOD has been urged by the Conservative MP Johnny Mercer to stop giving the anti-Malarial drug Lariam to personnel deploying overseas, because of research showing that it can cause depression and other side effects. The piece stated that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the drug a ‘black box’ warning. The MOD position was carried in the piece and our full line on the matter can be seen below.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
All our medical advice is based on the current guidelines set out by Public Health England. Based on this expert advice, the MOD continues to prescribe mefloquine as part of the range of recommended malaria prevention treatments, which help protect personnel from this life-threatening disease. Mefloquine is usedby civilians and military personnel throughout the world and we only ever prescribe it after an individual risk assessment.
Defence Spending
The Sun carries an article saying that Britain will be at risk from overseas threats if Labour does not commit to spending 2% on defence. Comment from Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is included where he says that not making the pledge ‘would send a message to Putin and Islamist extremists that the UK is no longer a major player in global security.’ The article states that Mr Fallon has written to the four candidates asking them to match the 2% promise.
Afghanistan interpreters
The Daily Mail carries a feature by chief reporter David Williams from Kabul, supported by a commentary by Col Richard Kemp, in which he says that interpreters who served British forces in Afghanistan are not being adequately supported by the UK Government despite risking death at the hands of the Taliban. A short leader article argues that more should be done, while acknowledging that there is pressure on migration in the UK.While the MOD was not approached for comment on the story, we have huge gratitude to local civilian staff who worked for the UK in Afghanistan - they played a very important part in our joint efforts towards a shared goal of a more secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. Our full position can be seen below.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
We recognise the vital role local staff, including interpreters, played in operations in Afghanistan. That is why, as well as offering a generous redundancy package in recognition of this service, we have an expert team in Kabul, including experienced detective inspectors, to thoroughly investigate claims of intimidation made by local staff. The team provides bespoke security advice, assists with relocations within Afghanistan and, where necessary, relocation to the UK. We look carefully at every case and they can of course be re-opened should new evidence of intimidation emerge.
Cyber
The Sun reports that Britain is expected to spend up to £2bn over the next five years to tackle cyber threats from Russia and China. The article states that a Joint Forces Command review has recommended a ten-fold budget boost to £400m annually. The Times reports in an extended piece that the RAF claimed a world first yesterday, as it opened a five-day camp at No 1 Radio School, RAF Cosford, to teach cadets about cyber attacks and how to foil them.
Future CDS
The Times carries a speculative piece suggesting that General Sir Richard Barrons has emerged as a challenger to the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas in the race to become the next Chief of the Defence Staff.
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