Today's Defence news includes coverage of the start of HMS Queen Elizabeth's second leg of sea trials, Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon's visit to A&P Tyne and the recent report on the spending of Britain's Overseas Development Assistance budget.
HMS Queen Elizabeth starts the second leg of sea trials
The UK's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, left Portsmouth yesterday for the first time, setting off on her second stage of sea trials.
Several papers carried the images of HMS Queen Elizabeth leaving the harbour, including The Daily Telegraph, Daily Star, Guardian and Scotsman. The Daily Telegraph adds that the F-35 Lighting II trails are due to start in the US next year.
HMS Mersey tweeted a time-lapse video of her departure.
Defence Secretary visits A&P Tyne
Outlets including BBC North East, ITV Tyne and Tees, The Chronicle and The Shields Gazette report that the Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon paid a visit to A&P Tyne near Newcastle yesterday, one of the yards that could be involved in building the new Type 31e frigates for the Royal Navy.
The Defence Secretary has been visiting the UK’s major shipyards following the launch of the Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy last month.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
It is very encouraging to witness the renaissance of shipbuilding around the UK first hand. Having helped build our new aircraft carriers and the Astute Class submarines, A&P Tyne have the skills and expertise to bid for our brand new class of frigates.
The whole industry is clearly excited about the opportunity to build cutting-edge ships for our growing Royal Navy, which will protect our nation and interests across the world.
Read more here.
The Ministry of Defence spending of ODA budget.
Figures released by DfID show the MOD spent £5m of Britain's Overseas Development Assistance in 2016.
Daily Express covered the story, detailing how much ODA is spent by Government Departments.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The Ministry of Defence spends Official Development Assistance to help with peace and security overseas, helping make Britain safer at home.
Image of the day
HMS Queen Elizabeth has sailed from Portsmouth Naval Base for the first time since arriving at her home port in August.
The Royal Navys future flagship has embarked on the next set of sea trials to test the £3 billion ships capability.