Today's defence news includes reporting on nuclear convoy safety, illegal bird trapping in Cyprus, the White Helmets motorcycle display team, and Second World War re-enactment.
Nuclear convoy safety
The Sunday Herald reports on allegations about Scottish Government and local authority nuclear convoy safeguards.
An MOD spokesperson said:
This report appears to be highly speculative and scaremongering. Public safety is our absolute priority and robust arrangements are in place to ensure the safety and security of all these convoys – there has never been an incident posing a radiation hazard.
Illegal bird trapping in Cyprus
The Sunday Times reports on the illegal trapping of migrating songbirds on an MOD firing range at Cape Pyla.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
We are committed to tackling illegal bird trapping and have arrested over 200 poachers over the last five years. We have also cut down 61 acres – the equivalent of 40 football pitches - of illegally planted acacia trees, used by poachers to hide their nets, and seized thousands of items of bird trapping equipment.
The Sovereign Base Area dedicates a greater proportion of its police force to wildlife crime than any other force in the UK and we are determined to stop this illegal activity.
The White Helmets motorcycle display team
The Mail on Sunday reports that the Royal Signals White Helmets motorcycle display team are being disbanded.
A British Army spokesperson said:
The Royal Corps of Signals have come far since using motorbikes to carry messages across the battlefield, and are now highly trained ‘Leaders in a Digital Age’ with expertise in cyber operations. This modernisation means that 2017 will be the last season for the iconic ‘White Helmets’ Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team.
Second World War re-enactment
The Sun reports that an MOD employee dresses as a German soldier as part of a Second World War re-enactment group.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
We do not tolerate individuals engaged in political activities which impact their ability to do their job or are damaging to the department, but are satisfied that this individual’s role was for historical accuracy reasons and does not affect his work.
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