Of note for Defence news today, BBC Radio 4 's Today Programme reported that Michael Fallon has become the first Defence Secretary in more than a decade to visit the Falkland Islands.
Falkland Islands
The Telegraph and The Sun run comments made by Michael Fallon on a visit to the Falkland Islands, saying that he hoped Mauricio Marci’s election as Argentine president last December would strengthen trade between the countries and lead to closer cooperation on travel, fishing and tourism. The articles also note that the Defence Secretary’s visit to the Falklands is the first by a senior cabinet minister for 14 years, and that the MOD is spending £180 million over the next decade to build new military accommodation, an upgraded jetty and a new power station on the islands.
You can read more about the Defence Secretary's visit here.
Russia
The Guardian reports that Russia has denied accusations of war crimes after dozens of people were killed in strikes on medical facilities and schools in Syria. The Sun says the Defence Secretary has declared that, if the claims prove true, the strikes on two locations by forces supporting Bashar al-Assad amount to war crimes, adding that Mr Fallon called the bombings an “abomination”. The Defence Secretary also said that “Russia needs to be held to account.”
Bomber Command Clasp
The Independent writes about a Second World War RAF veteran who is calling for those who flew from non-UK bases to be recognised with a medal. Former warrant officer Theo Eaves, 93, who was stationed in Italy from 1944 until the end of the war, had his application for the Bomber Command Clasp turned down after two years of writing letters to the MOD and has now launched a petition calling on the government to rectify the situation.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We have enormous admiration and respect for the unique contribution and sacrifice that bomber aircrew serving outside of the UK made. However, Sir John Holmes recommended not to give medallic recognition to those who flew from outside the UK during his Review of Military Medals. This decision was made independently of the MOD and subsequently agreed by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals and the Queen.
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