Of note for Defence in today's news is coverage of a report that looks at UK troop numbers, and stories that carry Defence Secretary Michael Fallon's comments that Russia is killing "hundreds" of Syrians civilians in bombing raids.
Troop numbers
The Sun and Daily Telegraph carry stories about a report by Dr Robin Niblett, director of think tank Chatham House, where he argues troop numbers have been cut to the point that Britain risks not being able to use state-of-the-art military kit that has already been ordered. Dr Niblett claims that years of defence cuts mean the military may not have the manpower to operate new aircraft carriers and submarines and may have also left Britain “ill-equipped” to deal with the growing threat from Russia. The MOD response to these claims is set out below:
In making investment choices, the MOD takes account of all the requirements that come together to deliver military capability. These include training, infrastructure, logistics and of course people.The manpower requirement of these new capabilities is fully understood. We would not buy equipment if we did not plan to have the people to operate it. We are currently carrying out a strategic defence and security review which will consider all aspects of the capabilities that we need now and in the future.
Syria / Russia
Several newspapers, including The Independent, The Sun and the Daily Mirror report on Defence Secretary Michael Fallon’s comments on Sunday accusing Russia of killing “hundreds” of Syrian civilians in bombing raids, during his appearance on BBC1's Andrew Marr Show. The articles say Mr Fallon also claimed President Vladimir Putin is prolonging the bloody conflict and “propping up” Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime. It is reported the Defence Secretary emphasised that Russia’s intervention should not stop Britain from combating ISIL and reiterated his hope to extend the UK's air campaign against ISIS to Syria.
Bearskin caps
The Independent reports that animal rights campaigners attacked the MOD for continuing to use bearskins for the ceremonial headgear worn by Buckingham Palace guardsmen. The story references an FOI request that disclosed a total of 127 bearskins were ordered by Defence officials last year. The MOD's position is carried below.
There are no plans to change the ceremonial uniform or the bearskin cap which has been associated with the Guards Division since the 18th century. We have examined various alternative materials in the past, but none has come remotely close to matching the natural properties of bear fur in terms of shape, weight and its ability to repel moisture in wet conditions. The black bear is culled in large numbers each year by the Canadian authorities because the population is dangerously high. We only take 100 pelts a year and that is a fraction of the number culled.
Chilcot inquiry
It is widely reported, including in The Guardian, that the Chilcot inquiry is unlikely to delay further its report into the war in Iraq despite the emergence of a fresh memo from the former US secretary of state Colin Powell.
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