In defence-related news, it is reported that the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is in Stuttgart to discuss further UK support in the fight against Daesh.
EU Army
There is reporting today in the Daily Express, The Times, Daily Mail, Sun and Daily Star of alleged plans for a joint European command headquarters and widespread cross-border "sharing" of military units and equipment.
The Prime Minister has been clear that the UK will never be part of an European Army. We have consistently said that we will oppose any measures which would undermine member states’ competence for their own military forces, or lead to competition and duplication with NATO, which is the cornerstone of our defence. Through the European Council we retain a veto on all defence matters in the EU and this is non-negotiable.
The government believes that Britain is safer as part of an EU that supports and complements NATO – by imposing sanctions or sharing intelligence on terrorists. Crucially, the EU would be weaker and smaller without Britain – its largest defence spender. And that would hurt the collective security of the west – countries who believe in democracy, freedom and the rule of law.
Fight against Daesh
The Telegraph, BBC and Sun report that the Defence Secretary is in Stuttgart to meet with counterparts from ten countries in the Global Coalition against Daesh, including the US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, where he will discuss the possibility of further UK support to Iraqi ground forces fighting the terrorist organisation. According to reports, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced the UK will be supplying ammunition to the Kurdish Peshmerga who are fighting Daesh near Mosul.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Make no mistake - Iraqi forces have Daesh on the back foot and are retaking territory, hitting its finances and striking its leadership. Now is the time to build on recent success and we are looking hard at what more we can offer as Iraqi combat operations intensify.
Afghan interpreters
The Daily Mail continues its coverage of the UK Government’s handling of asylum claims made by alleged Afghan interpreters, reporting that two more have been told they face deportation.
While the MOD cannot comment on asylum cases, our position on Afghan interpreters is below.
We recognise the vital role local staff, including interpreters, played in operations in Afghanistan.
That is why, as well as offering a generous redundancy package in recognition of this service, we have a permanent expert team based in Kabul. They assist with relocations within Afghanistan and, where necessary, relocation to the UK.
You can read more about the HMG policy on Afghan interpreters here.
Image of the day
She is presenting new Colours to the Regiment at Windsor.
This is the eighth set of Colours that have been presented to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in their 100 year history.
Colours are the Regimental Flags of the British Army. They were originally used as rallying points on the battlefield as long ago as the Kings of Babylon.
They were vital because before modern communications, it was all too easy for troops to become disorientated by the fog of war.
From the reign of Queen Anne every regiment has been awarded two colours: the Queens Colour and the Regimental Colour. In the Guards Regiments the Queens Colour is crimson silk and the Regimental Colour is the Union Flag.
Follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to sign up for email alerts.