Today’s defence-related news features continued reporting on the UK’s support to the Hurricane Irma relief effort and the publication of the EU External Security Papers, which includes details on the UK’s collaboration with the European Defence Agency.
HURRICANE IRMA
As part of Operation Ruman, coverage continues of the UK’s military support to the Caribbean Islands left devastated by Hurricane Irma. The Sun includes a two page spread featuring a picture of Royal Marines on the ground, which states that more than 700 troops have been deployed to the Caribbean. The Royal Marines from 40 Commando have distributed vital supplies, and three RAF flights were dispatched yesterday with more aid, soldiers, and medical staff. The piece also mentioned the work of RFA Mounts Bay. The Daily Record reported that 500 UK troops have been deployed to the region.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon was interviewed on Sky News Sunrise, ITV Good Morning Britain, BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, and Radio 5 Live about the UK’s response to Hurricane Irma.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
We prepositioned a ship in the Caribbean for the hurricane season, it wasn’t by chance that Mounts Bay, a huge 16,000 tonne aid ship with Marines, with helicopter, with pallets of aid was already in the Caribbean. She’s already been helping Anguilla, she’s already moved on to help the British Virgin Islands. Now, it wasn’t until yesterday when we were clear about where most help was needed, and when we were clear which airfields were usable, then we started the airlift. Three flights went in on Friday, two went in yesterday, three more are going in today, we’re putting in troops, we’re putting in additional helicopters and pallets of aid backed up by police, medics and engineers.
EU EXTERNAL SECURITY PAPERS
There is extensive coverage on the UK’s External Security Papers, which outline how the UK will seek a deep security partnership with European allies post Brexit, in The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Daily Express,Daily Mail, The Independent, and The Scotsman. Many portray the position as an attempt to win allies among the EU 27 ahead of next month’s crucial summit by “playing the defence card” and using military strength as a leverage or “bargaining chip” in Brexit talks.
As part of the media round this morning, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon was interviewed on Sky News Sunrise, ITV Good Morning Britain, BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, and Radio 5 Live about the EU Security papers.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
At a time of increased threats and international instability the UK remains unwavering in its commitment to uphold European security. With the largest defence budget in Europe, the largest Navy British troops and planes deployed across land, air and sea in Europe, our role in the continent’s defence has never been more vital.
As we leave the EU, the UK and our European allies will ensure a close partnership that meets these shared challenges head-on.
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