Of note for defence news, was coverage of MOD’s decision to revise the way it issues anti-malarial drug Lariam to troops on overseas operations.
Lariam
BBC R4 Today Programme reported that the MOD has said service personnel will only be prescribed anti-malaria drug Lariam after consultation. The Times covers the announcement that the MOD has set up a hotline in response to concerns about its effect on soldiers' mental health.
An MOD spokesperson said:
While most deployed personnel receive alternatives to Lariam there are, as the Committee noted, some cases where it is the most effective way of preventing malaria. In our continuing efforts to address their recommendations, we have launched a new service to help those with concerns over their use of Lariam.
School Fees
Scottish paper The Herald and The Mirror write that taxpayers spent more than £80m last year paying for the children of military personnel to attend fee-paying schools, including Eton, according to MOD figures.
An MOD spokesperson said:
Our reforms mean spend on this allowance has fallen every year for the past six years. We are determined that it only supports children of service personnel who really need it to protect their education.
Image of the day:
