Today’s headlines include news that ISIL militants have destroyed Palmyra's ancient temple of Baalshamin and further reporting on Defence spending.
Iran
Many of today’s papers highlight yesterday’s re-opening of the British Embassy in Iran by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond. The Independent says that the reopening of the Embassy marks the start of an “exciting” new journey in diplomatic relations, whilst The Times highlights that the reopening in Tehran comes as Human Rights Watch warns that the UK should not allow commercial interests to silence criticism of the Iranian regime’s record.
The papers’ editorials vary in their opinion of the reopening; the Independent says that a mutual loathing of ISIL explains the thaw in relations between Britain and Iran, with hope for a strong, regionally led diplomatic, political, financial and military coalition to defeat the terror group. Meanwhile, in line with their wider reporting, the Daily Telegraph says that while normalising relations with Iran after the recent nuclear deal was always on the cards, we may have moved too fast, and The Times argues that Britain's envoys "must be open to the Iranian people but deeply sceptical of the regime".
Iraq Inquiry
A number of outlets including The Guardian suggests that Sir Richard Dearlove, a former head of MI6, is among those likely to be criticised by the Chilcot inquiry for his actions during the Iraq war. Mr Dearlove provided evidence about Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction that was alleged to have been “sexed up”, but is said to have “fiercely dismissed” claims that he was too close to Tony Blair. Meanwhile, The Times reports that a number of MPs have said Sir John Chilcot must announce a publication date for the Iraq inquiry within weeks, or face Commons censure.
Defence spending
The Financial Times carries an article which says that while the commitment to maintain 2% of GDP spending levels on Defence was a “welcome breathing space”, it is far from a “money bonanza” for the MOD. The piece goes on to write that Downing Street has made it clear that it comes with significant strings attached. The piece also highlights that while Defence may be protected from cuts, David Cameron is still demanding major changes as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Comments reported to have been made by Malcolm Chalmers, director of UK Defence policy at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) say that that there will be a temptation from some within the MOD not to make changes because there will not be cuts – but the expectation from Number 10 is to use the opportunity to realign and address new global risks.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
By increasing defence spending in real terms every year and meeting the NATO 2 per cent target for the rest of the decade, we are sending a strong message to both our allies and enemies.
The SDSR will be driven by a hard-headed appraisal of our national security objectives, the role we want our country to play and the risks we face in a rapidly challenging world.
Air show crash
Today’s Daily Mirror carries an article about the Shoreham Air Show disaster, which includes comments from a former air show promoter, claiming that the Red Arrows have previously refused to perform their full stunt programme at Shoreham on the grounds that the surrounding area is too dangerous, with no fall out zone should something go wrong.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We are unable to comment whilst an investigation is on-going.
Afghan interpreter
Continuing with their extensive coverage on the subject, the Daily Mail carries a large article about Afghan interpreters, focusing particularly on comments from relatives of soldiers who were aided by translators in theatre, and the calls for the UK to recognise and help the men who risked their lives for UK soldiers. The father of Royal Marine Gary Wright, who was killed in Afghanistan, says that an interpreter attempted to save his son’s life and that it meant a lot to the family to know that somebody made that effort. To date, more than 150 Afghans have been relocated to the UK (330 people including families) under the redundancy scheme related to the drawdown of British Forces in Afghanistan. Detailed information of the government policy on Afghan local staff can be found here and here.
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