Today's defence-related news includes reports on Syria, new aircraft procurement and a new benefit for families of serving personnel.
Syria
The Sunday Express and the Sunday Mirror speculate that British Special Forces could join US counterparts on operations in Syria. We do not comment on Special Forces.
Benefits
A piece in the Sun on Sunday on revisions to the Habitual Residences Test reports that the wives of Armed Forces personnel serving overseas will be able to claim out-of-work benefits as soon as they return to Britain. The piece includes a comment from Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, in which he says it is absolutely right that we do more to help.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Being posted abroad, often at short notice, is one of the many sacrifices our Armed Forces are prepared to make to keep us safe. And when that happen it doesn't just affect them, but their families too. So it is absolutely right that we do what we can to help to smooth any challenges they face when they return to the UK.
Compensation
The Sunday Telegraph includes a story about an Army captain who has submitted a compensation claim to the MOD regarding their service at the Personnel Recovery Centre. Our position is here:
While legal proceedings continue it would be inappropriate to comment further.
Aircraft procurement
The Sunday Times carries an article speculating on the potential progress of a contract for submarine-hunting P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Our position is here:
The MOD continues to assess future requirements as part of the work we are doing on the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). No decisions have been taken.
Marine A
The Mail on Sunday carries a story referencing comments attributed to Prince Harry about the sentence of Alexander Blackman, who was jailed for killing a Taliban fighter in Afghanistan.
Chilcot
The Chilcot inquiry is covered again today. The People, the Sun on Sunday and Mail on Sunday carry interviews with Reg Keys, the father of soldier Tom Keys who was killed in Iraq in 2003.
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