There is coverage in the papers this morning of the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton’s appearance on the BBC Andrew Marr Show yesterday, during which he spoke about the need for a nuclear deterrent.
Gulf Cooperation
The Financial Times suggests that Britain is considering stronger military co-operation with Gulf nations in its strategic review of defence priorities, as London looks to secure military contracts with a visit to Dubai to promote British interests by the Minister for Defence Procurmenet, Philip Dunne. It is said that the Government is pulling out all the stops to clinch orders for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, for which the UK's BAE Systems is a leading contractor.
Minister of State for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne said:
The UK and UAE continue to enjoy a close relationship as strategic partners, and more widely, the UK remains committed to promoting security and stability in the Gulf region. What happens here not only has a direct impact on the national security of the Gulf States and their citizens, but also the United Kingdom and the safety of our people, which is why it is vital that we work with close allies like the UAE to tackle regional threats such as ISIL
Our strong relationship with the UAE is about more than security – it is about prosperity too. This is an important area to do business and UK companies will continue to partner with the UAE for many years to come.
Alexander Blackman
The Telegraph reports on comments made by General Sir Nicholas Houghton that Alexander Blackman should serve his sentence, and the court process has run its course. Blackman’s family have responded in the Daily Mail.
ISIL
The Sun and The Times suggest that British intelligence officials are investigating Abu Osama al-Masri, the chief of Egypt's branch of ISIL. The articles say that the move comes as leaks from the investigation into the downing of a Russian passenger plane point to militants planting a bomb in the hold. Reporting says that Abu Osama al-Masri has released an audio recording claiming responsibility for the Metrojet plane crash in Sinai.
Cyprus Migrants
The Times reports that Britain has begun the process of deporting migrants camped at the British military base in Cyprus by serving an intent to deport order. The paper says they have been warned that they will be returned to Beirut because they had chosen not to claim asylum in Cyprus.
Similarly, The Sun and the Guardian say that six refugee families who have lived on the British military base in Cyprus for over 17 years are seeking a judicial review of the Government's refusal to allow them to move to the UK and that they believe the UK's stance is contrary to their rights under the 1951 refugee convention.
A Government spokesperson said:
We have said that those migrants who do not claim asylum could face removal to their place of origin. We have now formally notified the migrants who have not claimed asylum that we do intend to remove them.
We have been clear with the migrants on the options open to them, and they have also had advice from the UNHCR.
The UK Government will not allow a new migrant route to open up to the UK.
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