Today’s defence-related news includes coverage of Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon's announcement of the new National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Future Naval Shipbuilding in the UK
Following the Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon unveiled the new National Shipbuilding Strategy, widespread coverage including; The Times, The Telegraph, The Sun, The Glasgow Herald, The Daily Record, The Daily Mirror and The Scotsman covered the announcement which sets out plans for the first batch of Type 31e frigates.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon followed up the announcement with appearances on the BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4 Today, Good Morning Britain, Good Morning Scotland and Sky News.
The Strategy sees the Government accept Sir John’s recommendations and step up to what he called a prospective ‘renaissance’ in British shipbuilding. Building on the Government’s industrial strategy, it outlines an ambition to transform the procurement of naval ships, make the UK’s maritime industry more competitive, grow the Royal Navy fleet by the 2030s, export British ships overseas, and boost innovation, skills, jobs, and productivity across the UK.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
This new approach will lead to more cutting-edge ships for the growing Royal Navy that will be designed to maximise exports and be attractive to navies around the world.
“Backed up by a commitment to spend billions on new ships, our plan will help boost jobs, skills, and growth in shipyards and the supply chain across the UK.
The Strategy meets the challenges set by Sir John Parker last November and sets out plans for the first batch of Type 31e frigates.
Sir John Parker’s independent report into British naval shipbuilding proposed far-reaching recommendations to transform the UK maritime industry and boost the prosperity of regions, shipyards and maritime supply chains across the country.
Four soldiers arrested over alleged links to neo-Nazi group
Coverage this morning in The Metro, The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian and The Scotsman followed yesterday's news, reporting that four members of the Army being arrested, three by civilian police and one, in Cyprus, by RMP, under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of being associated with the proscribed far right group, National Action.
Coverage references the West Midlands Police statement that there was ‘no threat to public safety’.
An Army spokesperson said:
We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for allegedly being associated with a proscribed far right group. These arrests are the consequence of a West Midlands Police Force led operation supported by the Army. This is now the subject of a civilian police investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further. Any further inquiries should be made to the West Midlands Police Force.
