In defence news, coverage includes the debate on UK air strikes against ISIL in Syria, speculation over British troops being sent to France in the wake of Friday’s attacks, as well as cyber security and Special Forces.
Syria vote
Numerous outlets, including The Telegraph, Times, Sun, Daily Mail, Guardian, Daily Mirror carry reports arguing that the Prime Minister will press for UK air strikes against ISIL in Syria, possibly before Christmas. Working from the G20 speech in the Commons yesterday and the PM’s statements that the ‘snake’s head’ needed to be removed and that ISIL posed a ‘direct and growing threat’, the articles state that the Defence Secretary has met Labour MPs in recent months and planned to continue the process in the coming weeks. The Times carries an additional line, quoting defence sources in saying that up to 36 Typhoon jets, variants with air-to-air capability only and currently unused because of funding, are expected to be brought into service to form two new operational squadrons and one training squadron at RAF Leeming. If announced as expected as part of the SDSR, the article says, the RAF would increase from nine to 12 fast jet squadrons.
RAF strike
Incorporated into the above reports on a Syria vote as well as the Daily Express splash is wide reference to the latest RAF strikes in Iraq against ISIL that resulted in the death of an estimated 30 militants. The MOD released an update detailing that a 500lb Paveway bomb was dropped from an RAF Tornado on Monday as part of strikes near Mosul and Sinjar. You can read the latest update here
The Sun quotes the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who said: “Every day, RAF aircraft are hitting ISIL where it hurts. They also continue to provide vital intelligence to support strikes in Syria.” You can find the full statement on Twitter here.
Separately The Times carries an article with the results of a YouGov poll that showed 76 per cent of people questioned said they supported the strike on Mohammed Emwazi.
EU Treaty
The Sun, Guardian and Times report yesterday’s invocation by France of article 42.7 of the EU Treaty and the French Defence Secretary’s press conference comments that France would appeal for assistance given the weight of its operations abroad and at home. The Times writes that Britain could increase support to France’s strikes against ISIL and is looking at options including supporting French deployments in Africa, following the mechanism being triggered. The Sun article speculates that British troops could be sent across the Channel. A Government statement setting out the UK’s position was issued yesterday and can be seen below.
An HMG spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister has been clear that we will do whatever we can to help the French Government at this time, and that we need to work together to defeat these terrorists. We have been in constant contact with the French authorities since Friday. This is about a French request for bilateral assistance from other EU member states. We understand and support the French decision, and we stand ready to consider any French request for assistance.
Cyber Security & Special Forces
The Times reports the Chancellor’s speech at GCHQ on cyber investment, and his comments that he wants Britain to be able to launch cyber counter-attacks against hackers. A separate Times piece on Special Forces reports that officials have been unable to quantify precisely what £2bn in additional funding would buy. The article suggests the money could be spent on extending the life of the Sentinel spy aircraft and speculates that the SAS Chinook helicopters could require overhauling. The MOD does not routinely comment on Special Forces.
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