Today’s top story is the EU summit with reports that ‘significant progress’ has been made in Brussels as David Cameron discussed British demands for reform with other leaders. A roundup of today’s defence news is below.
LIBYA
There are various news stories saying Libya’s warring factions signed a long-awaited deal yesterday that could pave the way for British troops and special forces to be deployed there to help tackle Islamic State terrorists.
Our position is below.
The UK, along with international partners, is supporting the process to form a recognised Libyan government and we are developing plans to support once this is done. No decisions have been made about the future deployment of any British military forces to Libya as part of an international coalition force.
BLOODY SUNDAY
A number of papers, including The Telegraph, report that former paratroopers who face questioning over Bloody Sunday have won their High Court battle against being detained and transferred to Northern Ireland for interview by police, because there were no “reasonable grounds” and it would risk their safety.
A MOD spokesperson said:
We note the result of the Judicial Review application. It would be inappropriate to comment further on an ongoing criminal investigation at this stage.
RUSSIA
The Sun reports that Vice Chief of Defence Staff Sir Stuart Peach met with his Russian counterpart in an effort to stop Russian incursions of British airspace and waters.
A MOD Spokesperson said:
VCDS is visiting Russia to follow up the discussions by MOD Director General Security last week that sought to establish military communication channels to reduce the risk of incidents occurring in the air or at sea. It is also an opportunity to register our position on other matters of interest to the UK such as the situation in Syria and Ukraine.
RAF COMPENSATION
The Daily Mail reports that the RAF has admitted paying £375,000 in compensation last year after low-flying aircraft damaged property or scared animals to death.
A MOD spokesman said:
The MOD takes the issue of safe low-flying extremely seriously and understands that military low flying can be noisy, but every measure is taken to minimise the effect on people and animals whilst maintaining the essential operational skills needed by our aircrew.
SLEEPWALKING
The Daily Mirror reports on the medical discharge of five sailors last year after it was discovered that they were sleepwalkers. It is reported that officers feared the sailors could harm themselves by venturing out on to deck in darkness and falling overboard.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said:
Sleepwalking is a bar to entry to the Royal Navy. Whilst this is not presently enshrined in MOD policy, sleepwalking beyond the age of 13 is seen as a permanent medical disqualification. Policy updates to that effect are currently in the process of being cleared for publication.
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to sign up for email alerts.