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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2015/09/02/defence-in-the-media-2-september-2015/

Defence in the Media: 2 September 2015

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The papers report this morning that two Ukrainian guardsmen have died of the wounds they sustained in a grenade attack outside Ukraine's parliament.

RAF Cadet Inquest

The Guardian and The Telegraph report on the inquest of 14-year-old RAF cadet David Efemena who died in March 2014 during a night exercise after becoming seriously ill in his tent. The inquest continues.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:

Our thoughts remain with David Efemena’s family and friends at this very difficult time but it would be inappropriate to comment further prior to the completion of the inquest.

Scout contract

The Daily Mirror reports that 40% of the work to make to make Scout Specialist Vehicle will be done by overseas firms. According to the article, retired Royal Navy Admiral Lord West fears Britain could be "held to ransom" if we end up relying too heavily on foreign arms makers. A statement from General Dynamics is held in the article where it states that more than 160 UK-based firms form the Scout SV supply chain, with more than 2,600 jobs supported by this programme in the UK.

A Ministry of Defence statement is also carried, this can be seen in full below.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:

We are assembling these vehicles in South Wales, supporting thousands of UK jobs and ensuring our servicemen and women have the very best equipment.

Afghan interpreters

The Daily Mail reports that Penny Mordaunt, Minister for Armed Forces, met with former military chiefs yesterday to discuss the plight of Afghan interpreters “abandoned” to the Taliban. The article reports that Penny Mordaunt spoke to ex-defence heads who have previously voiced fears about Britain's policy on the translators. It goes on to say that the Minister listened to the concerns of General Sir Richards, ex-Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Mike Jackson, former head of the Army, and Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy. It states that she will meet Lord Dannatt, another ex-Army chief next week.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:

We challenge any allegation that the government is not honouring its duty of care to Afghan interpreters. We hope that we have provided the necessary reassurance, including a clear understanding of the protection measures in place for those who believe their safety is threatened.

Image of the day

Several regional publications report that RFA Lyme Bay has been sent to Dominica to provide humanitarian support following Tropical Storm Erika. She has arrived with bedding, shelter, torches and stretchers, as well as a Lynx Mk 8 helicopter and fresh water. Tropical Storm Erika hit Dominica last week, causing severe flooding, landslides and widespread damage to infrastructure.

RFA Lyme Bay has arrived in Dominica to assist with humanitarian efforts following Tropical Storm Erika.
RFA Lyme Bay has arrived in Dominica to assist with humanitarian efforts following Tropical Storm Erika.

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