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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2016/08/24/defence-in-the-media-24-august/

Defence in the Media: 24 August

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Defence in the media, Personnel

An earthquake in Italy dominates this morning's broadcast headlines, whilst the death of a soldier during a live firing exercise leads defence-related news.

Soldier dies at Otterburn military range 

Most papers, including Daily Telegraph, The Sun and the Daily Express, report that a soldier died during a night-time live firing exercise on a military range.

An Army Spokesperson said:

We can confirm a soldier serving with The Royal Regiment of Scotland has died while taking part in a live firing exercise on Otterburn Training Area. Northumbria Police is investigating the incident and all enquiries should be directed to the force and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further.

Armed Forces Minister, Mike Penning said:

It is with great sadness that I can confirm that a soldier from The Royal Regiment of Scotland has died while taking part in a night live firing exercise at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland. My thoughts are with the soldier’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

The safety of our personnel is our absolute priority and while deaths in training don’t happen often, any death is a tragedy. As well as a police investigation, MOD accident investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Further details are available here.

Armed Forces in Germany

There is coverage of Prince William's, the Duke of Cambridge, visit to Düsseldorf for a series of events honouring the role of the Armed Forces based in Germany. He is pictured in The Telegraph speaking to members of the 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade as he arrived for a celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of North Rhine Westphalia state.

Saudi Arabia

There is continued reporting in The Guardian about Oxfam’s call for more transparency about UK weapons exports arrangements with Saudi Arabia.

A government spokesperson said:

The UK Government takes its arms export responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the world. The Government is satisfied that extant licences for Saudi Arabia are compliant with the UK’s export licensing criteria. The key test for our continued arms exports to Saudi Arabia in relation to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is whether there is a clear risk that those weapons might be used in a serious violation of IHL. The situation is kept under careful and continual review.

 

Image of the Day

The Duke of Cambridge visited Düsseldorf on Tuesday 23rd August to attend a series of events honouring the role of the British Forces in Germany, and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). During the visit, His Royal Highness saw a military parade with NRW Minister President Hannelore Kraft, met BFG personnel at a reception, and attend a 70th anniversary gala alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel. The events of the 23rd August in Düsseldorf will celebrate both the historic and current ties between NRW and Britain. To commemorate Britain's military contribution, The Duke will see NRW Minister President Hannelore Kraft present the Fahnenband, the Federal state's highest military honour, to 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade, in acknowledgment of their service to the defence of Germany. Following the parade, His Royal Highness will attend a reception in Düsseldorf's NRW Forum, where he'll meet members of the Brigade and their families. The soldiers on Parade forming the Honour Guard are from the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment based in Barker Barracks Paderborn. The Pennant Party comprises two Officers and two SNCOs from Headquarters 20 Armoured Infantry Brigade. The musical accompaniment is being provided by the Band of the Grenadier Guards. Photographer; Mr Dominic King Army Press Office Germany Info; NRW was established on 23rd August 1946 by the British Military Government, following the end of the Second World War, “Operation Marriage” merged the regions of North Rhine and Westphalia together. For almost 70 years, a large British military presence has remained in the region – known as British Forces Germany – playing a vital role during the Cold War and in the reconstruction of its area of occupation. The strong links between NRW and Britain remain today, with approximately 27,000 British citizens living in the state, and 345 British firms basing their companies here. The end of Second Worl
The Duke of Cambridge in Düsseldorf yesterday to honour the role of the British Forces in Germany, and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Crown Copyright.

 

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