Today’s news is dominated by the United Nations-endorsed peace plan for war-torn Syria, while legal claims, sleepwalking, F-35 and a ground-breaking female Army officer also make the headlines.
SYRIA
It is widely reported today that a United Nations plan to tackle the Syria conflict was agreed last night. The UN Security Council resolution – approved by the US, Russia, China, France and UK, plus 10 other countries – endorses an international road map towards an enduring peace process. It will see representatives meet for formal peace talks in January 2016.
In today’s newspapers the Daily Telegraph writes that it marks the first time the US and Russia have been able to find common ground over the country’s future. However the newspaper adds that the Syrian opposition want a political transition without President Bashar al-Assad, a close ally of the Russians. Elsewhere, as UN diplomats meet to iron out differences in the draft UNSC resolution, The Guardian reports that Iran has called on the US and Britain to “join hands” with Tehran in a common effort to defeat Daesh and end the war in Syria.
LEGAL CLAIM
The Daily Mail reports the case of an Iraqi widow who claims to have been approached by an agent, and persuaded to launch a legal claim against the British military, shortly after the death of her husband. The newspaper suggests it is the closest proof yet that agents acting on behalf of British legal firms “touted for business” in the country, although this is denied by Public Interest Lawyers who are named in the article.
A MOD statement provided to the newspaper is not carried but can be found below.
The MOD would be very concerned at any evidence that people in Iraq are being actively solicited to make claims years after the alleged events.
SANDHURST
The Times carries an article about Lieutenant Colonel Lucy Giles who is the first female commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst’s New College – one of the two colleges that train recruits to become officers. The newspaper suggests it comes at a key time for the Army as Sandhurst begins training men and women in mixed platoons.
An Army statement on her appointment is below.
Lucy is another example of the progress that the Army is making in maximising the talent available from all walks of life. We recognise that there is still some way to go yet but the number of women in senior positions is increasing.
SLEEPWALKERS
The Daily Telegraph writes that sleepwalkers will be barred from the Armed Forces on safety grounds under new medical guidance. Those with the condition have been banned from the Royal Navy for decades but the newspaper says the MOD is planning to enshrine the policy across all three services. Sources told the Telegraph it was not yet known when the new policy would come into effect.
F-35
It is reported that BAE Systems has “kick-started” construction of an extension to its manufacturing site in Lancashire as the company prepares to ramp up production of components for the F-35 fighter jet. The Daily Mail suggests the move was prompted by the Government’s commitment to purchase 138 of the jets, outlined in last month’s Strategic Defence and Security Review. BAE will produce the rear fuselage and tail surfaces, according to the newspaper.
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