This morning’s Defence stories include reporting on yesterday’s anti-nuclear protest, the opening of a memorial remembering the British military personnel who died in the first Gulf War and mesothelioma lump sum compensation payments.
Gulf War memorial
BBC Breakfast reported this morning that a memorial remembering the British military personnel who died in the first Gulf War is to be unveiled 25 years after the conflict ended. The monument, which has 47 paving stones with the names of those killed, will be opened at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Trident
Yesterday’s anti-nuclear protest is widely reported in today’s papers. The articles note that the MOD estimates four new submarines to carry Trident will cost £31 billion over the 20 year programme, with £10 billion more set aside for any unexpected cost increases. The MOD’s position on the nuclear deterrent is as follows:
The UK's independent nuclear deterrent is the ultimate guarantee of our nation's safety which is why the government is committed to maintaining it. We estimate costs will amount to around 0.2% per year of government spending – a small price to pay to ensure the security of British citizens.
Pirbright
The Sunday Express writes about an alleged drug scandal at Pirbright Barracks, home of the Welsh Guards, part of the Household division of troops who guard the Queen. The paper writes that, according to a whistleblower, 10 soldiers have been kicked out of the Army after random urine tests proved they had been taking hard drugs. A young soldier is pictured allegedly taking cocaine inside the regiment’s Surrey barracks. An Army statement is held in the article and can be seen in full below.
An Army spokesperson said:
The Army’s policy on drug abuse is rigorously enforced and those who fail to meet our high standards are dismissed. The proportion of personnel at Pirbright failing the compulsory drug testing programme has fallen when recent increases in population are taken into account.
Mesothelioma
There is a small article in The Sun on Sunday about the MOD extending the eligibility for mesothelioma sufferers to choose lump sum compensation. The paper writes that 60 veterans suffering from terminal cancer after exposure to asbestos while in the Armed Forces are set for a huge compensation boost. They were denied £140,000 on offer since last year because they were diagnosed before the scheme started, but now they will have a choice between the lump sum or a pension worth around £32,000 a year. A statement from Veterans Minister Mark Lancaster is partially held in the article, his full statement can be seen below
Veterans Minister Mark Lancaster said:
It is right that we do more to support veterans affected by this condition – it’s part of our commitment to our Armed Forces. This change will give them more choice and control.
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