Today’s defence-related coverage includes reporting about military veterans and a legal case from Iraq.
Veterans charities
There is coverage in The Sunday Times and The Sun about HM Treasury Libor funds. It is reported that the new Covenant fund will improve management of such funds going forward.
A Government Spokesperson said:
The New Covenant Fund we launched last year has provided £10m to support over 150 projects that help service families in need, as well as the wider service community – projects such as Style for Soldiers which received £1.5m to help injured soldiers back to work. Applications for the new scheme are assessed robustly to make sure they deliver for the Armed Forces community.
Iraqi case
Reports that three soldiers are facing charges over an Iraqi civilian’s death in 2003 feature in The Sunday Telegraph and The Sun, and reports say the Defence Select Committee has discussed the role of the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT).
A Government spokesperson said:
We’ve seen our legal system abused to falsely impugn our armed forces and we are putting an end to that. Equally, our armed forces are rightly held to the highest standards and, whilst rare, where there are credible claims of criminal behaviour, we should investigate them. Stamping out the many spurious claims will mean IHAT is better able to focus on the few credible ones.
Soldier with PTSD
A report in The People says that a former soldier, diagnosed with PTSD, has died.
An MOD Spokesman said:
The mental health of everyone who serves our country is of the utmost importance. Help is readily available for those with health issues and we’re always improving our support. Through our many campaigns, we encourage those that need help to come forward and get the assistance they deserve.
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