Today's headlines are once again dominated by stories relating to the migrant crisis. It is widely reported that the UK will accept at least 10,000 refugees, and that the Prime Minister will seek a vote on military action in Syria
within a month, as well as extending military and intelligence efforts in tackling people smugglers.
Refugee crisis / Syria
Many of the papers report that Chancellor George Osborne has given a strong signal that Britain will take part in military action in Syria. He warned that dealing with the escalating refugee crisis means tackling President Bashar al-Assad's "evil" regime. It is reported that French President Franois Hollande is also considering military strikes in Syria. There is also speculation that the Prime Minister may ask MPs to back enforcing a no-fly zone over Syria, rather than all-out strikes against Damascus.
The UK is part of the Global Coalition of 63 nations working together to dismantle and destroy the threat of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant also known as Islamic State, Da’esh or ISIS).
ISIL is a terrorist organisation that claims to represent Islam, but it uses the banner of religion to carry out barbaric atrocities including beheadings, crucifixions, slaughter of children, selling of women as slaves and the systematic use of rape as a weapon.
To assist the Iraqi government, British forces have conducted air operations over the country against ISIL targets. The UK’s military response is part of a wider international strategy, involving a coalition of more than 60 countries, including the US, Arab and European nations.
The UK government is also providing £59.5 million in humanitarian aid to support people across Iraq who have fled from ISIL.
Find out more about the UK government's actions to counter ISIL.
Afghanistan
The Mail on Sunday report that Camp Bastian, the former British Army base in Afghanistan, is in danger of being over-run by the Taliban.
A UK Government Spokesperson said:
The UK has made an enduring commitment to Afghanistan, and continues to support the Afghan Security Forces in reducing the threat from terrorism and helping to build a better future. The Afghan Security Forces have demonstrated their capability in defending the country’s security and the significant progress made since 2001. Though this has come at a high price, the UK can be proud of what it has achieved in Afghanistan.
Afghan interpreters
The Sunday Telegraph reports that the former head of the Army, Lord Dannatt, will meet with Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt tomorrow, calling on Britain to give refuge to the Afghan interpreters who helped save the lives of its troops.
We challenge any allegation that the Government is not honouring its duty of care to Afghan interpreters. We hope that we can provide the necessary reassurance, including a clear understanding of the protection measures in place for those who believe their safety is threatened.
The Government’s full position is below.
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 a permanent expert team based in Kabul to thoroughly investigate claims of intimidation. They assist with relocations within Afghanistan and, where necessary, relocation to the UK.
To date 170 interpreters and their families (c400 in total) have moved to the UK under the redundancy scheme. Another 330 interpreters have been offered relocation UK under the government’s bespoke immigration arrangement.
Find out more about the HMG policy on Afghan interpreters and read comments made by Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt here.
Army amputee
The Sunday Times reports that the NHS is refusing to treat an Army veteran who lost his legs in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, because he travelled abroad for a privately funded operation.
It is reported that Jay Baldwin underwent the osseointegration procedure – which is not available on the NHS – in Australia in February to help him walk again after searing pain and bleeding left him wheelchair-bound and unable to use his artificial legs.
An MOD spokesperson said:
Our Armed Forces make a tremendous contribution and sacrifice and deserve the very best support. The MOD is currently investigating the use of Direct Skeletal Fixation for our most seriously injured personnel. A thorough evaluation of its benefits and sustainability will be required in this unique group. In conjunction with the NHS, this pilot phase is also considering how current and future provision will be supported, as well as the eligibility criteria for any fur ther patients, including Service veterans.
Joint Strike Fighter
The Mail on Sunday reports that the Joint Strike Fighter has suffered a series of technical problems, according to a British engineer working on the aircraft.
The Lightening II remains on track to operate from RAF Marham in 2018 and from our carriers in 2020.
Malaria
The Sunday Express reports that thousands of soldiers who say they have had their lives ruined by anti-malaria drug Lariam are preparing to sue the MOD.
Our statement is below.
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.
Find out more on about the use of anti-malarial medication in the military.
MOD PR
The Sun reports that the MOD is funding 123 Twitter accounts and 500 spin doctors as part of a £230m public relations drive.
Like any large public body, we have a duty to tell the taxpayers how their money is spent, and this is particularly true of highlighting the vital work done by our brave Armed Forces in keeping Britain safe.
A significant proportion of this spend is for recruitment campaigns for Regular personnel across all three Services. Every year the Armed Forces need to recruit young people into the various and challenging roles the Armed Forces offer.
Many of these posts are staffed by military personnel who are undertaking communications roles as part of their duties, including military photographers in front line units, combat camera teams, community relations officers at Service bases. The total figure also includes admin support staff.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
Many of these 500 posts are fullfilled by military personnel, including those in combat roles. Ad and marketing spend has been cut considerably from that inherited in 2010, and represents less than 0.25% of the Defence budget.
Image of the day
Following intense weeks of competition, the final Row2Recovery team of four has been selected to take part in this year's challenge, known as the world's toughest rowing race. This year's Row2Recovery selection marks the first time a full team of amputees has taken part in the race. The team will be led by serving Light Dragoon Lance Corporal Cayle Royce, MBE. Cayle, 29, from Devon underwent a double amputation and lost the fingers on his left hand following an IED blast in Helmand, Afghanistan whilst serving in the Brigade Reconnaissance Force in 2012.
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