Today's Defence news includes coverage of former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown claims that the UK was misled on the threat from Saddam Hussein, emergency services under strain to provide support for soldiers with PTSD and speculation around Russian influence on Brexit vote.
Former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown claims that the UK was misled on the threat from Saddam Hussein
In Gordon Brown's autobiography, My Life, Our Times, he accuses the US of withholding intelligence that undermined the case for the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Following the advance publication of the autobiography, there has been widespread coverage in this morning’s broadcast news and papers including; BBC online, The Observer, Sunday Express, The Sunday Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday.
In his autobiography, Brown claims he was not aware of the existence of the 2002 US report, which cast doubt on the existence of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, until after he left office in 2010 and it was not examined by the Chilcot Inquiry.
Emergency services under strain to provide support for soldiers with PTSD
Channel 4 are due to release a documentary that will focus on the growing issue of soldiers with mental health issues, including PTSD, claiming these issues are placing increased strain on the emergency services.
Today, The Sunday People detailed a number of cases due to be highlighted in the Channel 4 documentary.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We are committed to the mental fitness of our personnel having launched our new strategy and partnered with the Royal Foundation to tackle mental health issues head on.
Ministers and services chiefs are unequivocal in their commitment to helping those in need; anyone who is suffering will get the support they deserve.
Russian Influence
Following FBI investigations into Russian influence in the US election, there is speculation that Russia attempted to influence the Brexit vote.
The Observer and Mail on Sunday both report on claims that Russia was attempting to influence the Brexit vote. The Observer investigates the links between current and former ministers with individuals who have been identified in the FBI investigation into collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. Whereas the Mail on Sunday claims Russia tried to influence the Brexit vote by engaging in social media debates by posting fake messages claiming to be from UK voters.
Image of the day
HRH The Princess Royal has attended a service of thanksgiving at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral to mark the formation of the Womens Royal Naval Service (WRNS) 100 years ago.
Princess Anne is also the Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy and will be unveiling a commemorative stone after the service in the Cathedral grounds.
The commemorative stone depicts the unique shapes of four female naval uniform hats from the past 100 years.