Making the headlines in today's Defence news is continued reporting on the migrant situation in Cyprus and further coverage on plans for air strikes in Syria.
ISIL airstrikes
Newspapers including the Financial Times, Daily Mail and The Times, follow up on yesterday’s reporting that the Government is planning to “shelve” plans for airstrikes in Syria. The papers report that No.10 has denied these reports and the Governments full statement is as follows:
A Downing Street spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister’s position hasn’t changed. He’s consistently said that we would only go back to the House on this issue if there was clear consensus and that remains the case. Meanwhile, the Government continues to work to bring the conflict to an end in Syria and we are working closely with our allies to inject greater momentum into efforts to find a political solution, which we’ve always said will be the way to bring this war to an end and give Syria hope for the future.
Cyprus migrants
Stories are carried today in the Daily Telegraph and The Times reporting on the current migrant situation in Cyprus and the incidents that have occurred over recent days. The Daily Mail writes that the migrants are demanding to be brought to the UK or to be taken to the European mainland. Our most recent position on the migrant situation is below.
A Government spokesperson said:
We are aware of a series of incidents at the temporary accommodation facility in Cyprus. Those staying there have access to three meals a day, shelter, privacy and communications, which United Nations staff have visited and say exceeds the standard of comparable set-ups. We continue to work closely with the Cypriot authorities to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. The UK Government will not allow a new migrant route to open up to the UK.
Army desk jobs
The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail report that the Army is offering soldiers a £4,000 bonus to become military clerks. The papers claim this is due to a severe shortage of administrative staff and our position on this, which is not carried in the stories, is below.
An Army Spokesperson said:
The Army has offered a taxable lump sum of £4,000 to soldiers who enlist or transfer into to the Military Personnel Administrative role, during 2016 and 2017, in order to address a projected inflow shortfall. This will enable efficiency improvements in the running of the Army and offer further career opportunities for soldiers who wish to gain credible, recognised civilian qualifications and serve in all parts of Defence.
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