Defence-related news is dominated today by Sir John Parker's independent report on naval shipbuilding, with coverage of a report on a Coalition airstrike, and the Prime Minister's phone conversation with President-elect Trump.
UK NATIONAL SHIP BUILDING STRATEGY
Articles appear in the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Guardian among others. Most focus on Sir John's key findings, that the UK has a ‘vibrant’ UK shipbuilding sector, and his recommendation that the UK should adopt ‘modular’ ship building construction.
Scottish coverage is focused on shipbuilding on the Clyde. Coverage in the Daily Record and The Scotsman focuses on the issues relating to the BAE monopoly.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
I would like to thank Sir John for providing an ambitious vision of naval shipbuilding in the UK based on a new era of cooperation as part of our modern industrial strategy.
This report will inform our National Shipbuilding Strategy to match the needs of the Royal Navy with the ability to design and build efficiently, maintain skills, and maximise export opportunities.
This will ensure a strong naval shipbuilding sector and help deliver an economy that works for everyone.
SYRIAN AIRSTRIKE
The Daily Mail reports on the Syrian airstrike by Coalition forces earlier this year that killed a number of pro-government soldiers. It focuses on the finding that Russian officials waited 27 minutes on the hotline before informing coalition forces that Syrian forces rather than Daesh were being targeted.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
We welcome the Coalition’s report and its conclusion that the decision to identify the targets as Daesh fighters was reasonable, supported by the weight of information available at the time and made in good faith.
Coalition airstrikes are solely aimed at defeating Daesh. We would not and did not intentionally strike known Syrian Regime military units.
While we cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidental targeting when working in difficult conflict environments, all UK airstrikes are precision guided, conducted under strict targeting procedures and fully in compliance with the Laws of Armed conflict. We work hard to do everything we can to prevent any unnecessary loss of life. This approach contrasts strongly with the actions of the Assad Regime and Russia.
PM’S PHONE CALL WITH PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP
The Telegraph, the Times, Guardian, Scotsman and Independent all report that the Prime Minister conducted a second phone call with President-elect Trump. According to reports, they discussed a number of issues, including an agreement on the importance of NATO and commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence. They also confirmed that their national security advisors would meet in America before Christmas.
