In defence news, coverage focuses on tomorrow’s central London rally in support of Alexander Blackman, a former Royal Marine who was convicted of a battlefield murder, as well as mentioning the Chilcot Inquiry.
SERGEANT BLACKMAN
The Telegraph and the Daily Mail report that Service personnel have been banned from joining a rally for the convicted and jailed former Royal Marine, Sergeant Alexander Blackman. More than 1,300 supporters are expected to gather in Westminster tomorrow to demand justice for former Sgt Blackman. However, it has been reported that personnel face disciplinary action if they attend the 'political' event. Servicemen and women have criticised the stance, arguing that it is not a political event and instead one where they are showing their support for a fellow serviceman. This story is picked up briefly in The Times and The Sun. All outlets carry the MOD’s response in full or in part.
A MOD spokesperson said:
Serving members of the military are given routine reminders that, according to the Queens Regulations RN, they are not to attend any political protests, marches, rallies or demonstrations.
Any gathering which seeks to protest against a decision taken by the legal system or the government falls into this category.
The Ministry of Defence has followed and supported the legal process throughout this case. We respect the authority and decision of the court and will, of course, co-operate fully with any future legal process.
RUSSIA
The Times writes that Russia is exploring plans to cut undersea cables that carry nearly all of the world's internet traffic if tensions with the West escalate, according to US defence officials. Sources confirmed that there were concerns about evidence of Russian submarines operating close to the cable routes.
AFGHANISTAN
The Daily Mail reports that the Afghan government has asked Vladimir Putin for help in the fight against Taliban insurgents, signalling a worsening security situation in the country. Russian officials have said they are willing to help after the request was made for artillery, small arms and helicopter gunships, it was reported.
CHILCOT INQUIRY
There is continued coverage of former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s comments to CNN about the Iraq War. The Telegraph reported that he should “maintain a dignified silence” ahead of the publication of the Chilcot report, according to former military chief General Lord Dannatt. The former Chief of the General Staff refused to say whether he has received a “Maxwellisation letter” but said it was “inappropriate” for Mr Blair to have apologised for elements of the Iraq War in a television interview, according to the paper.
The Daily Mail, Independent and The Sun also run stories on the Chilcot report, which include calls for Mr Blair to face a war crimes trial and comments from “furious" relatives of those who were killed in the conflict.
Follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to sign up for email alerts.