Defence news today continues the focus Defence Secretary’s first keynote speech, HMS Trenchant’s breaking through one metre-thick ice and allegations that soldiers from the Household Cavalry were involved in taking drugs.
Defence Secretary’s first key note speech
The Defence Secretary delivered his first set piece speech, in association with Policy Exchange, and hosted by Rolls Royce in Filton. The speech was widely reported in, The Telegraph, The Times, The Sun, Daily Mail, The Guardian, Daily Mirror, The Independent, Daily Express, Daily Star, The Scotsman, Daily Record, The Herald, Press & Journal. Newspapers write that Defence Secretary commented on the frosty state of relations with Russia. Most of the papers place a storng focus on the joint statement blaming Russia for the Salisbury attack, signed by the UK, US, France and Germany.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said
The choice before us as a nation is simple - to sit back and let events overtake us or step forward. Our Modernising Defence Programme will make sure our country can respond to the changing nature of warfare and the new threats we face to British interests. Russia, in particular, is ripping up the rulebook - we only have to look at the reckless attack in Salisbury.
Today I can announce we are investing £48 million in a new Chemical Weapons Defence Centre to maintain our cutting-edge in chemical analysis and defence. I’ve also made the decision to offer the anthrax vaccine to our forces at the highest readiness, providing them with vital protection against a deadly danger. By using all our power, hard and soft, Britain will continue bringing light to a darkening world.
You can read the speech made by Gavin Williamson here
HMS Trenchant breaking through metre-thick ice
Royal Navy submarine HMS Trenchant has broken through metre-thick ice of the Arctic Ocean to join two US submarines on a major exercise. Ice Exercise 18 (ICEX) is a series of demanding trials in the frigid climate of the Arctic Circle. HMS Trenchant’s role in this exercise has been picked up in the media, including a picture story on the front of The Telegraph. Imagery of the submarine breaking through the ice is also carried in The Sun, Daily Mail, Press & Journal.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said
The Arctic Ocean is one of the most unique and harshest environments on earth. The ability of our submarines to operate with our US allies here demonstrates how the Royal Navy is always on hand and ready to defend our nation anywhere in the world.
Commander David Burrell, the Commanding Officer of HMS Trenchant, said
This is a tremendous opportunity to really test our skills. Working alongside the US submarines is great for us. It is like dogfighting in an ice jungle.
Rear Admiral James Pitts, US Navy, said
With every ICEX we are able to build upon our experience and continue to learn the best way to operate in this unique and harsh environment. We are constantly testing new tactics under the ice and this exercise allows us to do this on a larger scale and alongside our UK, joint and academic partners.
Soldiers from the Household Cavalry caught taking drugs
The Sun splash with the story on soldiers from the Household cavalry regiment. The Times also report on the story.
A MOD spokesperson said
We can confirm a number of soldiers were involved in an incident in Windsor on Tuesday evening. The matter is currently being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
All those who are found to fall short of the Army’s high standards or who are found to have committed an offence under the Armed Forces Act are dealt with administratively (up to and including dismissal) or through the disciplinary process, as applicable.