Today’s defence related news includes coverage of yesterday’s launch of a partnership on mental health between the MOD and the Royal Foundation.
MOD and Royal Foundation launch new partnership on mental health
There is widespread coverage this morning of the announcement yesterday of a partnership between the MOD and the Royal Foundation on mental health. Coverage is included in The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Star, The Scotsman, and Press & Journal.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
By looking after our mental health we are building a more effective armed forces that helps keep this country safe. Our soldiers, sailors and airmen are the best in the world but we will only maintain that if we are as serious about improving mental health as we are our combat skills and cutting-edge technology. So partnering with key groups like the Royal Foundation is an important part of our strategy to improve the wellbeing of our serving Armed Forces and veterans.
You can read more about the MOD and the Royal Foundation’s mental health partnership launch here.
You can read the Secretary of State’s speech here.
BAE Systems poised to cut at least 1,000 jobs
There is widespread reporting today on BAE Systems.
A UK Government spokesperson said:
BAE Systems have taken this decision as a result of internal restructuring – it is clearly a concerning time for their workers and the government stands ready to support those affected.
Our MOD spent £3.7bn with BAE last year, and we also continually bang the drum for our world-leading defence industry right across the globe, supporting companies like BAE in securing contracts for UK-made equipment. Just last month the Defence Secretary signed a Statement of Intent with Qatar to buy 24 Typhoons and 6 Hawks from BAE.
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