Today's Defence news includes coverage of the Armed Forces Flexible Working Bill, an interview with F-35 test-pilot Squadron Leader Andy Edgell and further speculation on cuts to the Royal Navy.
Armed Forces Flexible Working
Ahead of the second reading of the Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Bill today, a number of outlets including The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Daily Mirror and MailOnline report the Defence Secretary’s comments that the measures will in particular benefit women with children.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
Keeping Britain safe means investing in our personnel as well as in new equipment. More flexible working is essential to a modern military, allowing us to recruit the best talent and retain those already serving, while always being ready to deploy as commanders require. The military must offer conditions of service that keep up with those available in other lines of work. This change will significantly make it easier for women with children.
F-35 Test Pilot
Several papers this morning carry an interview with F-35 test pilot Sqn Ldr Andy Edgell, including The Daily Telegraph, MailOnline, Daily Express, the Scotsman and the Herald. Sdn Ldr Edgell told reporters that the F-35 will ‘defy critics’ due to its ‘incredible performance’. The Herald reports on the vital role of a high-tech £2 million simulator which enables pilots to experience flying the F-35 from HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Royal Navy Cuts
The Times speculates this morning that Britain’s ability to support NATO operations could be damaged if the MOD scraps HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion in order to save money. The piece says that NATO commitments could be affected as the UK has committed to provide a landing platform dock and a commando group to NATO’s ‘immediate follow on forces’ group in 2019.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The National Security Capability Review is designed to ensure the UK has the capabilities to tackle today's threats, not just yesterday's wars. We are a leading member of NATO and the review will mean Britain is better placed to work with allies to tackle intensifying dangers from cyber attack, ballistic missiles to Russian belligerence on Europe's borders. No decisions have yet been made and at this stage, any discussion of the options is pure speculation
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