In defence news this morning, there is reporting that UK Armed Forces personnel will begin operations to help train the Libyan Coastguard today, and of a £131m support contract for RAF Sentinel aircraft that will secure around 160 jobs.
Libyan Coastguard training
The Daily Telegraph and The Sun report that Royal Marines will today start training coastguards in Libya to tackle people smugglers and arms traffickers in the Mediterranean. The paper say that Royal Navy specialists will work for three months based on a Dutch ship as part of EU mission Operation Sophia, passing on tactics for boarding and inspecting suspect vessels.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
People smuggling across the Mediterranean saw 3,000 people drowned at sea last year. To help prevent more lives being lost, the Royal Navy will provide training support to the Libyan Coast Guard. Fighting the smuggling of people and arms will save lives and make Britain safer and more secure.
You can read about the full story here.
RAF Sentinel aircraft deal
BBC News reports that a £131m support contract for RAF Sentinel aircraft will secure about 160 jobs in Flintshire and Lincolnshire.
Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin said:
Sentinel aircraft provide vital intelligence to our Armed Forces, giving them the ability to make decisions that helps keep Britain safe, including on current operations against Daesh.
As part of our £178 billion equipment plan, this contract is supported by a Defence budget that will rise every year until the end of the decade, meeting the NATO commitment to spend 2% of GDP on Defence. This new support contract will sustain 160 jobs across the UK and demonstrates the very tangible benefits which Defence is bringing to the nation’s economy.
Read more about the announcement here.
Marine A rally
The Daily Mail reports that of supporters of Alexander Blackman will rally outside Parliament today to back his appeal.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
Sergeant Blackman’s case involved a full criminal inquiry, a court martial, an appeal, and is currently under review by the independent Criminal Cases Review Commission. We respect the decision of the court and we will continue to co-operate with any legal process.
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