Today’s defence-related media coverage includes news of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s arrival into Portsmouth, potentially next week, and an interview with Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood.
Defence Secretary announces window for arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth
Print and online media this morning, including The Glasgow Herald, The Sun, Daily Record, BBC News, ITV News Meridian andPortsmouth News, report on Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon’s announcement that Britain’s HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier is set to enter her new home in Portsmouth in around two weeks’ time. The 65,000-tonne Carrier, the biggest warship ever to be built in Britain, has been undergoing sea trials since setting sail from Scotland’s Rosyth dockyard in June. She is now set to make her grand arrival into Portsmouth, where she will be the latest in a long line of famous Royal Navy ships to call the port home. BBC News andITV News Meridian also make reference to previous news on dredging to prepare Portsmouth Harbour for the Carrier’s arrival in their reporting.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
In just two weeks’ time, the most powerful warship ever built for Britain’s famous Royal Navy is set to sail into her proud new home in Portsmouth. HMS Queen Elizabeth will be the Royal Navy's flagship for the next 50 years, keeping us safe by deploying across the seven seas, using her strike power to deter our enemies.
You can read more about the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth here.
Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood interview on Mental Health
The Telegraph carries an interview with morning with Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood, who talks about the MOD’s new mental health strategy. During the interview, where the Minister also discussed his experience during the Westminster terror attack earlier in the year, Mr Ellwood said that he wanted a greater understanding of the number of mental health issues that can affect those who have served in combat. The piece is also reported online by the Daily Express.
British Army helping to fight poachers in The Gabon
Following its first broadcast on last night’s BBC News at Ten, BBC Breakfast News this morning carried a piece on the training given to anti-poaching rangers by 2 Rifles at the request of the President of Gabon. The piece featured interviews with park rangers and Major Joe Murray of The Rifles, who described training the Gabonese authorities at the tactical and operational levels, meaning the Army can make a difference in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.
Law firm ‘double claims’
The Sun carries an article today on allegations being pursued in the UK and Denmark relating to Iraq.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
We are providing appropriate assistance to the Danish authorities to locate information to identity any such claims.
Image of the day
