Today’s defence in the media blog includes news on the continuing search for the Argentinian submarine, HMS Somerset escorting a Russian destroyer through UK waters and MOD facilities management contracts with Carillion.
UK helps search for Argentinian submarine
The Daily Mirror, Daily Star, Sun, Daily Mail, Evening Standard and Daily Telegraph report on the latest situation in the search for the missing Argentinian submarine and the UK’s contribution to the search, with polar exploration ship HMS Protector and an RAF C-130 Hercules joining the effort. Some outlets also report that HMS Clyde will be joining the search.
An MOD spokesperson said:
HMS Protector and an RAF C-130 joined the Argentinian-led search on Sunday following our offer of assistance. They will be complemented by HMS Clyde and members of the specialist Submarine Parachute Assistance Group.
You can read more about the UK’s support to Argentina here.
Royal Navy shadowing Russian destroyer in the Moray Firth
The Herald, Daily Record, Daily Star, Sun and Press and Journal report on the Royal Navy vessel, HMS Somerset, shadowing the Russian destroyer, Vice Admiral Kulakov, in the Moray Firth.
HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Timothy Berry, said:
As with all Royal Navy ships operating in UK waters, HMS Somerset was at a high state of alert to deal with any maritime security task such as this. Monitoring transits of non-NATO warships through UK territorial waters is part of what the Royal Navy does all year round to keep Britain safe. We now continue with our original tasking having seen the Russian ships safely through the UK’s area of interest.
Government contracts
The Times ran a story on the Government’s contracts with Carillion. During 2017 the MOD has awarded two contracts to Carillion Aramak Ltd, a Joint Venture providing Soft Facilities Management Services in the UK. All Cabinet Office guidance and rules, including supplier risk management, were followed throughout the procurement process.
A Government spokesperson said:
We take due diligence of our suppliers very seriously to ensure the best service and value for money for taxpayers.
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