Defence news today includes an op-ed by Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, stating NATO Allies' strong support for the UK.
NATO Secretary General confirms the Alliance's support for the UK
In a strong piece in the Daily Mail today, the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, has confirmed his support for the UK in light of the Salisbury attack a fortnight ago. Writing in the paper, he says that 'all NATO Allies stand in solidarity with the British people' following the attack in Salisbury. He goes on to say that NATO's approach remains 'firm, defensive and proportionate' when it comes to Russia and praises the UK-led battlegroup in Estonia.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
I strongly welcome NATO’s statement of support following the disgraceful use of a military-grade nerve agent on UK soil. NATO is the foundation of UK and Euro-Atlantic defence and security. Our friends and allies stand with us in solidarity, proving this horrifying attack is a blatant breach of international rules and agreements.
MOD confirms the death of Corporal Jonathan Bayliss, Royal Air Force
It is with great sadness that the MOD must confirm the death of Corporal Jonathan Bayliss of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (The Red Arrows).
Corporal Bayliss was killed when the Hawk T1 aircraft he was flying in crashed at RAF Valley approximately 1330hrs on Tuesday 20 March 2018. A Police investigation and a full Service Inquiry into the crash has been initiated. It would be inappropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident at this time.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of Corporal Jonathan Bayliss whilst flying with the Red Arrows on Anglesey. It’s clear from his colleagues that he was an incredibly skilled engineer and held in the highest regard as a teammate, a friend, and a shining example of what the British Armed Forces stand for. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time.
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