Broadcasters this morning lead with the breaking news from last night that Russian President Vladimir Putin has withdrawn the “main part” of Russia’s forces in Syria from today, with Mr Putin saying his country's military intervention in the civil war has largely achieved its objectives, and will now focus on peace negotiations.
Elsewhere, BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme (0715) carried an interview with senior US military commander Lt-Gen Ben Hodges, who is head of the US Army in Europe, in which he said he was worried the EU could unravel just when it is needed to stand up to Russia, expressing concern over the outcome of the UK’s EU Referendum.
Russia
There is widespread coverage of the news that Russian forces will start to pull out of Syria. Articles are carried in The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, Daily Express, Daily Mail, Daily Star, FT, Daily Mirror, The Sun and The Telegraph, with all reporting that Russian President Vladimir Putin announced last night that Russian troops would begin a partial withdrawal from Syria today, in a ‘surprise move’ that could herald a major shift in the conflict. Coverage references that the announcement has been given a warm welcome by the Syrian opposition, and that Mr Putin said that his five-month military campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has 'achieved its aims', ordering his Foreign Minister to 'intensify' Moscow's role in peace talks that have resumed in Geneva. Coverage widely looks at the effect of Russian involvement in the Syria conflict. The FT says the announcement has thrown the spotlight on Mr Assad, turning the focus to the push for a political solution to the crisis.
Single Source Regulation Office
The Telegraph follows up its online reporting yesterday that the MOD has clamped down on the amount of profit that Defence companies can make on contracts with the Government, as part of efforts to trim the military budget. The article references that the profit margin that businesses who sign single source contracts with the Government - where they are the only bidder and the Government is the only buyer - has been slashed by 15pc to 8.95pc, down from an earlier level of 10.6pc. The paper adds that the new level - which will affect contracts signed in the next 12 months - was set by the Single Source Regulations Office - a Defence spending watchdog set up in 2014 to stop 'padding' defence deals, and that it has also been rubber stamped by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Taxpayers can be confident that we are getting better value for money for single source defence contracts as we deliver our £178bn equipment programme. This profit rate provides a fair return to industry while delivering savings that will be reinvested in defence.
Led by the Brigade of Gurkhas Band and their own Regimental Pipes and Drums, crowds cheered and waved flags as 170 personnel from the Regiment made their way through Aldershot before forming up at the Princes Hall.
Major General Angus Fay and Mayor of Rushmoor Councillor Martin Tennant inspected the troops before presenting the Freedom Scroll.
Historically, the right of Freedom has been given to home or guest Regiments with whom the city / town feels safe and can rely on for protection. It signifies a special relationship between the civil and military authorities. During their time in Aldershot, the Regiment has completed operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.
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