As the nation remembers the fallen at 11:00, media headlines report on the Valletta Summit in Malta where European leaders will discuss finding a resolution to the migrant crisis and continue reports on accusations of doping within Russian athletics.
Bloody Sunday
There is widespread reporting, including in The Telegraph, The Times, The Sun, Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Independent, Daily Mirror and Daily Express on yesterday’s news that a former soldier was arrested and held on suspicion of murder for the Bloody Sunday deaths, with police warning of more arrests to follow. Reports state that the 66-year-old ex-Lance Corporal became the first member of the British armed forces to be arrested by detectives investigating the deaths of 14 men at a protest march in Londonderry in 1972. Our statement is held in some of the articles and can be seen below in full.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
We are aware an ex-soldier has been arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in connection with their investigation into the events of Bloody Sunday.
It would be inappropriate to comment further on an ongoing criminal investigation at this stage.
Lariam
The Daily Mail reports that Dr Frances Nichol, of drugs manufacturer Roche, admitted to the Defence Select Committee yesterday that the drug Lariam, used by the military, has worse side effects than other common anti-malarials. The paper says the inquiry heard the drug that is used by British soldiers carries a higher risk of depression, anxiety and psychosis compared to its alternatives. The Telegraph also reports on the issue.
We have made our position clear on many occasions including this Blog post, our latest statement can be seen below.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
While no anti-malarial treatments are without associated side effects, it is crucial we protect our personnel from this potentially fatal disease upon deployment to affected areas. That is why, based on expert advice, including that provided by Public Health England, the MOD continues to prescribe mefloquine as part of a range of recommended malarial prevention treatments. Mefloquine is not the first drug of choice and is only ever prescribed after an individual risk assessment. It is used by civilians and military personnel throughout the world and there are no countries where the drug has had its license withdrawn on safety grounds.
Ukraine
The Times reports that Ukraine's fragile ceasefire was in danger of collapsing last night after a series of assaults on government positions by Russian-backed rebels was followed by counterstrikes along the eastern front line. The article states that after weeks of relative peace, the country's armed forces had to prepare to repulse what they said was "a major offensive".
Syria
A story is carried in The Times that the first charter flight bringing Syrian refugees will arrive in Britain next week, officials have confirmed. The jet will see the first significant batch of Syrians fleeing the conflict in the country after the Prime Minister, said he wanted 1,000 here by Christmas. In a separate article The Times also reports that the Foreign Secretary indicated Syria peace talks could include Islamist rebels, if they agree to a democratic process.
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