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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2015/12/26/defence-in-the-media-26-december-2015/

Defence in the media: 26 December 2015

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Defence in the media, Operations, Reactive statements

This morning’s news leads with reports of multiple flood warnings after prolonged heavy rain in the North West and the Army’s support to flood defence work yesterday.

FLOODING

News bulletins lead with the threat of flooding in Cumbria and other parts of the North West, with the BBC and Sky reporting that more than 100 flood alerts have been issued across Britain and that troops from 2 LANCS had worked, and are expected to work again today, on flood defences. Broadcast outlets this morning are suggesting that the military could deploy to Lancashire today.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said yesterday:

Even at Christmas our Armed Forces are keeping us safe. Once again they are responding to the Cumbrian floods with a commitment that can only be applauded.

The Timesand other outlets carry comments made by Major Nick Higgins of 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, deployed on Christmas day. He told Sky News yesterday: “The people of Appleby and the surrounding area we have been operating in have been massively affected by these storms and it’s important that we are here to help them.”

Reports, including in The Telegraph,  also say the Government's emergency Cobra committee met yesterday and that Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Elizabeth Truss had said the government was making £60 million available to help families and communities rebuild their lives. "Our priority continues to be protecting lives, protecting homes and protecting businesses,” she said in a statement following the meeting.

On BBC Radio 4 Today Programme Floods Minister Rory Stewart MP said that the authorities were working exhaustively to put the maximum measures in place, and defended the Government’s investment in flood defences over the past decade.

Read more about the Army’s support in Appleby, Braithwaite and Warwick Bridge yesterday. 

 SYRIA AIRSTRIKE 

The BBC is among several outlets to report that the head and several leaders of one of Syria's most powerful rebel groups, Jaysh al-Islam, have been killed in an air strike east of Damascus. According to reports, founder Zahroun Alloush, 44, was among those killed when rockets hit a meeting place, rebels and the Syrian army are reported to have said. 

IMAGE OF THE DAY

The Army has been called in to support efforts to protect flood-hit areas of Cumbria amid fears that more heavy rain will fall on Christmas Day. People are set to spend the day putting out sandbags in preparation and flood defence gates have been closed in Cockermouth, Carlisle and Keswick. Cumbria has suffered severe flooding three times this month. The Ministry of Defence said one company from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (2LANCS), based at Weeton Barracks near Preston, are being deployed to affected areas on Christmas Day morning. Rain will spread across Wales and northern England through the course of Christmas Day, reaching southern parts of Scotland during the early hours of Boxing Day, with prolonged spells forecast for south Cumbria. The county has already recorded the wettest December since records began in 1910. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "Even at Christmas our Armed Forces are keeping us safe. Once again they are responding to the Cumbria floods with a level of commitment that is to be applauded." Pic - Soldiers from 2LANCS help set up flood defences in Appleby.
Soldiers from 2LANCS help set up flood defences in Appleby. The Army was called in to support efforts to protect flood-hit areas of Cumbria amid fears that more heavy rain will fall on Christmas Day.

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