Today’s defence-related news includes coverage of the Prime Minister’s announcement that UK troops will be protected from elements of the European Convention on Human Rights in future conflicts.
UK TROOPS AND THE ECHR
The is widespread coverage this morning that UK troops are to be protected from elements of the European Convention on Human Rights in future conflicts. Articles feature in the Times, Telegraph, Mail, Mirror, FT, Independent and the Guardian. The Prime Minister also appeared on the Today Programme this morning.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Our legal system has been abused to level false charges against our troops on an industrial scale.
It has caused significant distress to people who risked their lives to protect us, it has cost the taxpayer millions and there is a real risk it will stop our Armed Forces doing their job.
It will help to protect our troops from vexatious claims, ensuring they can confidently take difficult decisions on the battlefield. And it will enable us to spend more of our growing defence budget on equipment for them rather than fees for lawyers.
The full press release can be read here.
MISSING RAF SERVICEMAN
There is continued coverage of a missing RAF serviceman, including the news that Police have seized a bin lorry for examination following analysis of mobile phone data.
An RAF Spokesperson said:
The Suffolk Police have primacy in this matter and the RAF are continuing to provide support to assist them with their enquiries.
ARMED FORCES AND PRISON GUARDS
Coverage in the Daily Mail, Sun and Times that the Justice Secretary will today announce that former members of the Armed Forces will be hired as prison guards to increase discipline in jails.