A range of defence stories feature in today’s media, including continued coverage of the Iraq Historical Allegations Team (IHAT) and the continuing conflict in Syria.
IRAQ ABUSE CLAIMS
The Daily Mail and The Telegraph continues to report on IHAT and Operation Northmoor. The MOD has always been clear that whilst the vast majority of UK service personnel in Iraq conducted themselves professionally, and acted in accordance with policy and legal obligations, some did not. The Government is legally obliged, under both domestic and international law, to ensure that there is an independent and effective investigation of all credible allegations of criminal behaviour.
The MOD recognises the strain that service personnel and veterans who under investigation may face. The MOD has a duty of care to all its current and former staff, which includes supporting them when they face allegations arising from their service. In all such cases we seek to ensure the provision of pastoral support and legal advice as appropriate. We are always willing to consider how we can improve the support we provide.
A Government spokesperson said:
Our armed forces are rightly held to the highest standards and, whilst rare, credible claims of criminal behaviour should be investigated. However we’ve seen our legal system abused to falsely impugn our armed forces and we are putting an end to that. We are tackling unscrupulous law firms and have made substantial changes to no-win, no fee arrangements to further drive down meritless claims.
RUSSIA
The Telegraph and The Express report that Russian warplanes continued to carry out airstrikes on rebel-held areas of Aleppo yesterday, hours after being accused of war crimes by Britain and the US. The articles say Russia claimed terrorists are using the cover of the Syrian ceasefire to rearm.
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Wiltshires newest battalion officially said hello to Wiltshire this evening, Monday 26 September 2016 when it hosted a musical ceremony with echoes of the past.
As the sun set over Salisbury Plain, The 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 RIFLES) signalled the completion of their move from Paderborn in Germany to Bulford in Wiltshire by Sounding the Retreat, a practice which dates back to a time when sounding The Retreat called a halt to the days fighting, a return to camp and the mounting of the guard for the night. Nowadays it is purely ceremonial and provides an entertaining musical display and The Band and Bugles of The Rifles gave the guests a rousing performance of both modern and traditional tunes concluding with the hauntingly beautiful Sunset (bugle call).
Since its formation in February 2007, the 5th Battalion has won its spurs through an arduous and steady cycle of deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan and through high performance in regular exercises to Canada, the UK and Germany. The 5th Battalion was created from the First Battalion The Light Infantry and has deployed on Op TELIC 1, 3, 8 and 13 and more recently, Op HERRICK 15 and 20 where it was the last fighting unit in Helmand province. It will now make its permanent home in Wiltshire as part of Army 2020 and Army Basing.
The salute was taken by both General Sir Nick Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen, in his role as the Colonel Commandant of the Battalion and the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton. Other distinguished guests included the leader of Wiltshire Council, Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE. Also attending were soldiers and officers of the Battalion with family and friends.
Photographer - Cpl Daniel Wiepen RLC (Army Photographer) - Army Headquarters
NOTE TO DESKS:
MoD release authorised handout images.
All images remain Crown Copyright.
Photo credit to read - Cpl Daniel Wiepen RLC (Phot)
richardwatt@media
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