Today’s defence related news includes coverage of the Royal Navy escorting a Russian warship through the channel and Northern Ireland.
Russia
The Times reports that the Prime Minister Theresa May will chair a National Security Council session in the coming weeks to examine Russian actions towards Britain and its allies. The Times also runs a report on Russian propaganda.
An MOD spokesman said:
With the biggest defence budget in Europe and the second largest in NATO we invest widely in what we need to protect the British people. That includes committing to assets such as the Army’s 77 Brigade to respond to hybrid threats.
We review potential threats regularly and work with allies and partners to keep us safe.
There is also coverage in The Sun, Scotsman and the Herald on the Royal Navy escorting a Russian warship through the English Channel, for the second time in two weeks.
You can read more about the Royal Navy monitoring the Russian warship here and view pictures here.
Northern Ireland
It is reported in the Telegraph, Guardian, Times and The Sun that two soldiers will face charges for the death of Joe McCann, a senior leader in the Official IRA.
A Government spokesperson said:
This case now subject to live legal proceedings and further comment would not be appropriate. Any member of the military affected by this legal case will rightly be supported throughout and will receive free MOD legal representation.
Sergeant Alexander Blackman
There is coverage in The Sun, Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Mail and the Daily Express that Royal Marine Sergeant Alexander Blackman, who is currently jailed for life for killing an injured Afghan fighter, has had his bail hearing postponed until next week.
An MOD spokesperson said:
“We will continue to co-operate fully with any legal process involving Sergeant Blackman’s case.”
Picture of the day
